I have always said the vast majority of us work too hard and I never turn down the opportunity for another holiday.
I remember how excited I was when former premier Dalton McGuinty introduced Family Day.
As far as I’m concerned, it’s the only thing he accomplished of real value that improved our lives.
This week, federal government officials confirmed they are working on a plan to implement a new statutory holiday to mark the legacy of Canada’s residential school system.
It was part of the almost 100 recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.
It will be a stark reminder as well as an opportunity to educate and help heal past atrocities when Indigenous kids were removed from their families, kept from their culture, and many subjected to physical, psychological, and sexual abuse.
With all due respect, this could be as significant a holiday to this generation as Remembrance Day is to those of a post-World War generation.
National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Perry Bellegrade, said it is “crucial” Indigenous groups be involved and the residential school system is a “dark chapter and we must never forget.” And he is right.
Perhaps that is another good reason not to remove statues of John A. Macdonald, but add to them.
Scott Thompson is the host of The Scott Thompson Show on Global News Radio 900 CHML.
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