September 30 is Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal holiday that honours survivors and victims of the residential school system, along with their families and communities. The date also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which encourages Canadians to reflect on the lasting impacts of residential schools.
Unlike some provinces, Quebec’s provincial government has not adopted the day as a statutory holiday.
If you’re unsure what’s open or closed, here’s a breakdown for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
Open:
- Grocery stores
- Schools
- Garbage, recycling, and compost collection (usual schedules)
- The Planetarium, Biodôme, Botanical Garden, Insectarium.
- STM and EXO buses (regular schedule)
- Pharmacies (Jean Coutu, Pharmaprix, Uniprix — regular hours)
- SAQ (open, but hours may vary)
- SQDC (open, but hours may vary)
- SAAQ offices (open, but hours may vary)
- Retail stores and malls (open as usual)
Closed:
- Banks (federally regulated)
- Canada Post (no mail delivery or post office service)
- Service Canada offices
- Passport services
- Federal government offices
- Federal courts