The Member of Parliament for Portage-Lisgar isn't sure how a day off for federal employees will benefit Canada's First Nations People.

Candice Bergen is referring to the House of Commons Heritage Committee motion that seeks to make September 30th a federal statutory holiday to recognize Canada's residential school victims. If approved, the day would be referred to as National Truth and Reconciliation Day.

The Conservative Opposition House Leader says her party feels this move is more of a gesture than anything.

"We've seen, particularly with the Liberals and the Prime Minister, this is what he does."

Bergen adds this ties right back to former Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould, and her rise to fame, as the first Indigenous person, a woman, to be named head of Canada's Justice Department, followed by her recent downfall and ultimate resignation from cabinet following allegations her office was pressured by the Prime Minister's office to help a Quebec-based construction company avoid fraud and bribery charges in its dealings with the Libyan government.

"It's clear the minute somebody doesn't go along with what he (Prime Minister Trudeau) wants...he demoted her, she has now resigned, and hired a very prominent lawyer to help her," said Bergen. "This Prime Minister likes to put out symbolism and say nice pretty words, but at the end of the day he doesn't back it with real action."

Bergen said the Conservatives are more focused on helping First Nations People to recover, and have access to equal economic opportunities.

"We are very much believers in reconciliation in making things right with First Nations People who suffered through residential schools," she said.

Bergen noted it was the Conservatives under the leadership of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper that first issued a historic apology to the victims of residential schools.

The motion to declare September 30th as Truth and Reconciliation Day has yet to come up in the House for a vote.