Jody Wilson-Raybould to speak at Brampton Truth and Reconciliation Day vigil

The City of Brampton is encouraging all residents to reflect, observe and take part in Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day later this month.

In June of last year, the federal government passed Bill C-5 to establish Sept. 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Also known as Orange Shirt Day, the ocasion  is a sombre chance for reflection on the impact and intergenerational trauma Canada’s residential schools caused Indigenous families and nations.

It is also an opportunity to remember the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples who died under the residential school system while lost and honour the survivors, their families and communities.

The City will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliationby raising the Every Child Matters flag from Sept. 26 to Sept. 30 for Truth and Reconciliation Week.

On September 30, flags at City Hall will be lowered to half-mast, and all City facilities will be closed, while Brampton Transit will operate on a regular weekday schedule.

The City will also host a vigil at the Rose Theatre for an evening of commemoration and conversation to remember, reflect and commit to truth and reconciliation. 

The candlelight vigil will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Sept. 30 and will feature remarks by Chief Laforme and a keynote speech by Canadian lawyer and former MP Jody Wilson-Raybould, who was expelled from the Liberal caucus during the SNC-Lavalin affair.

Wilson-Raybould is set to release a new book in November titled True Reconciliation: How to Be a Force for Change.

The candlelight vigil will be free for all guests, but attendees are required to reserve tickets to attend.

For more information visit www.brampton.ca/events.