“We have chosen to move forward with a federal holiday on Monday,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a news conference Tuesday morning in New Brunswick. “We’re going to work with the provinces and territories to try to see that we’re aligned on that. There are still some details that need to be worked out, but declaring an opportunity for Canadians to mourn on Monday will be important.” Some provinces and territories, including all four Atlantic provinces, Manitoba, British Columbia, Nunavut and Yukon also designate Monday as a holiday for some workers. That means various federal, provincial and other services across the country will be unavailable Monday as workers pay their respects to the late queen. See what will be open and closed in Canada on September 19.
THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY
Across the country, any service staffed by federal employees will be unavailable as those employees observe the one-time holiday. This includes all Canada Services offices. Canada Post will also observe the holiday, which means there will be no mail delivery and Canada Post offices will be closed on September 19. Banks and other federally regulated services and businesses will remain open unless they choose to close. Although September 19 is not a public holiday, businesses anywhere in the country may choose to recognize the day of mourning, so it’s best to check ahead and confirm if you’re unsure whether or not they’ll be open.
THE YUKON
All public schools in the state, from kindergarten to post-secondary, will be closed. Field services and public offices will also be closed. The Yukon government encourages employers and private sector organizations and other levels of government to “observe the National Day of Mourning in ways that are appropriate for employees and their operations,” so some municipal agencies and private businesses may also choose to close.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Provincial government agencies and most Crown corporations in British Columbia will remain closed, along with all public schools from kindergarten to secondary. Premier John Horgan said the province is encouraging private sector employers to “find a way to recognize or reflect on the day in a way that is appropriate for their employees.”
MANITOBA
All non-essential government services and offices, including District Service locations, will be closed for the day. Schools, childcare facilities and the health care system will continue to operate as normal. The holiday does not apply to businesses and private sector employers, but some may choose to close.
NUNAVUT
All Government of Nunavut offices and services will be closed on Monday. The government has not announced that any public schools in the territory will be closed, but is calling on private businesses and employers to close ahead of the holiday if they choose.
ATLANTIC CANADA
Provincial government offices and public schools will be closed in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, as will all provincially regulated services. Regulated child care in Nova Scotia will also be closed, but health care services, appointments and procedures will continue as scheduled. In Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador, the holiday will be optional for businesses and private sector employers, so some businesses may choose to close. With files from CTVNews.ca’s Spencer Van Dyk and CTVNewsAtlantic.ca’s Stephen Wentzell
