There are areas of Newfoundland and Labrador where the June 24 holiday has been recognized as ‘Discovery Day’ and celebrated as a public holiday as early as 1939.

Discovery Day is no longer a statutory holiday in the province, but is recognized in collective agreements similar to St. Patrick’s Day, St. George’s Day, and Orangemen’s Day.

Discovery Day originated from the Christian Holiday, St. John the Baptist Day. It is believed that John Cabot made landfall in Newfoundland on John the Baptist Day, and later, the day was celebrated as St. John’s Day.

In 1963, the Hours of Work Act provided that the Lieutenant-Governor in Council could proclaim Discovery Day as an observed holiday.

In 1992, the Shops’ Closing Act was amended to reduce the number of holidays and Discovery Day was no longer recognized as a Shops’ Closing holiday.

In 1996, a proclamation was issued in accordance with the Labour Standards Act to establish a public holiday on June 24, 1997 in recognition of the 500th anniversary of Cabot’s landing.

Today, the Provincial Government has determined that it is not appropriate to refer to the June 24 holiday as ‘Discovery Day.’ Before a new name can be established, consultations must take place with Indigenous governments and organizations in the spirit of reconciliation regarding this holiday. Building off those conversations, government is open to working with its partners in the community in a respectful manner that ensures the province’s memorials, statues and holidays are culturally-sensitive.

Until consultations with the Indigenous governments and organizations are concluded, going forward the June 24 holiday be temporarily recognized as the June Holiday.

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“The voices of people here locally and around the world are being heard. We have to ensure our communities reflect the people that live in them. Until those discussions are concluded, the former ‘Discovery Day’ will now be referred to as the June Holiday. Despite the name change, I want to assure those who previously enjoyed this holiday in June, that they will continue to do so. I wish all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians a safe and enjoyable weekend.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Media contact
Jeremy Reynolds
Office of the Premier
709-729-3558
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca