BREAKING: Canada announces national holiday commemorating Queen Elizabeth II
“Declaring an opportunity for Canadians to mourn on Monday is important,” Trudeau said.
Loading the front page…
“Declaring an opportunity for Canadians to mourn on Monday is important,” Trudeau said.
Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom and other countries in the Commonwealth have declared holidays to mark the occasion and commemorate her legacy.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would be following suit.
Speaking at a news conference in New Brunswick, Trudeau explained that the event would be billed as a “day of mourning,” taking place on Monday, September 19, the day of Elizabeth’s funeral.
“Declaring an opportunity for Canadians to mourn on Monday is important,” he said.
Currently, only workers whose job is regulated by the federal government will be given the day off. These include those working in transportation, banks, Crown corporations, and First Nations band councils, among others.
Trudeau noted, however, that he is working to ensure that provinces can, if they so choose, grant provincially regulated workers a holiday as well.
As Global News reports, along with a day off for many across Canada, there will also be a ceremony held in Ottawa on Monday.
Festivities will include a memorial parade, CF-18 flyovers, as well as a 96-shot gun salute.
Across the Commonwealth, nations have chosen different days to honour the queen. While the UK will, like Canada, mourn on Monday, Australia decided to make September 22 a public holiday, and New Zealand opted for the 22nd.
The last “day of mourning” to be held in Canada was in 1952 following the death of King George VI.
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
