Canada and the United States each have created a new federal holiday that will be observed by their respective federal governments.
Canadian Holiday: September 30
On June 3, House Government Bill C-5 became a law designating September 30 as a federal holiday that will be named a "National Day for Truth and Reconciliation." The bill amends the Canada Labour Code to provide for annual observance of the date by the federal government and federally regulated workplaces.
U.S. Holiday: June 19
On June 17, S. 475 was signed into law (Pub. L. 117-17) to make June 19 a legal public holiday for the U.S. federal government starting in 2021, which will be named the "Juneteenth National Independence Day." Private-sector employers are not required to recognize any federal or state holidays or provide paid or unpaid leave for the Juneteenth holiday.
Jyme Mariani, Esq., is Managing Editor of Payroll Information Resources for the American Payroll Association