September 30 marks Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal holiday created to honour survivors and victims of the residential school system, as well as their families and communities. It also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which calls on Canadians to reflect on the lasting impacts of residential schools.
But in Quebec, things work a little differently. While the day is recognized nationally, the provincial government never adopted it as a statutory holiday, unlike British Columbia, Manitoba, and others. Premier François Legault said back in 2021 that Quebec already has enough days off, meaning most services here run as usual.
For context, Canada has 12 federal holidays, but only eight of them are also statutory holidays in Quebec.
So what does that actually mean for businesses across Montreal? Here’s a partial breakdown of what will be open and what will be closed this Tuesday, September 30.
What’s open
- Restaurants and bars — open as usual
- Grocery stores — regular hours at IGA, Metro, Maxi, Provigo, Super C, Walmart
- Pharmacies — Jean Coutu, Pharmaprix, Uniprix locations open under regular hours
- SAQ — stores open regular hours, but hours may differ
- SQDC — stores are open, but hours may differ
- SAAQ — offices remain open, but hours may differ
- Retail stores and malls — open as usual
- Public transit — STM, REM, and Exo running on regular weekday schedules (Check ongoing strike schedule here)
- Museums, attractions, and cultural sites — most open, check specific hours
- Schools — primary, secondary, CEGEPs, and universities open
What’s closed
- Banks — federally regulated banks closed
- Canada Post — no mail delivery or post office service
- Service Canada offices — closed
- Passport services — closed
- Federal government offices — closed
- Courts under federal jurisdiction — closed
Since Quebec has not made Truth and Reconciliation Day a statutory holiday, most day-to-day services in Montreal won’t be affected. But federally regulated businesses will close their doors, so don’t count on your bank, Canada Post, or Service Canada being open.
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