Summary#
This bill names February 22 of each year as National Indigenous Teachers Day across Canada. It is a commemorative day. The bill does not create a statutory holiday, paid leave, new programs, or new spending. The preamble links the day to recognition of Indigenous educators and reconciliation, and to the birthday of educator Cecil King (Preamble).
- Names February 22 as “National Indigenous Teachers Day” (Designation clause).
- Applies throughout Canada every year (Designation clause).
- Does not amend the Canada Labour Code or set a legal holiday; no paid time off (Bill text; absence of amendments).
- Creates no new programs, mandates, taxes, or fees (Bill text).
- Any observance activities are voluntary; the bill requires no events or reports (Bill text).
What it means for you#
- Households
- February 22 will be recognized nationally by name. No change to pay, schedules, or public closures (Designation clause; Bill text).
- Workers
- No requirement for employers to close or provide paid leave on February 22 (Bill text; no labour code changes).
- Businesses
- No closure rules, staffing mandates, or compliance duties tied to this day (Bill text).
- Schools and school boards
- May choose to mark the day, but there is no legal requirement to hold events or change schedules (Bill text).
- Federal, provincial, and municipal governments
- No mandated ceremonies, communications, or reporting. Any recognition would be optional (Bill text).
Expenses#
Estimated net cost: Data unavailable.
- No explicit appropriations in the bill text (Bill text).
- No mandated activities, staffing, or reporting that would trigger fixed costs (Bill text).
- Taxes, fees, or revenues are not changed (Bill text).
- If organizations choose to commemorate the day, any costs would be discretionary; amounts are not specified in law (Data unavailable).
Proponents' View#
- Recognizes the contributions of Indigenous educators, teachers, and elders to education in Canada (Preamble).
- Supports reconciliation by acknowledging Indigenous perspectives in education (Preamble).
- Provides a clear, consistent date each year to focus awareness and education efforts (Designation clause).
- Honors Cecil King, a noted Indigenous educator born on February 22, 1932, linking the date to a specific legacy (Preamble).
Opponents' View#
- Symbolic measure only; it does not fund or expand supports for Indigenous teachers or education programs (Bill text).
- May create public confusion if some assume it is a statutory holiday; the bill does not change holiday law (absence of Canada Labour Code amendments).
- Adds another observance to the calendar, which could dilute attention without accompanying action or outcomes (Data unavailable).
- Could require minor administrative effort for public communications, with no measured impact on educational outcomes (Data unavailable).