Photo: Adrian Lam, Times Colonist Prime Minister John Horgan signs the book of condolence for Queen Elizabeth II in the BC Parliament. on September 12. Premier John Horgan says he regrets the frustration and confusion Monday’s federal holiday for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II has caused some British Columbians. “It really, frankly, detracts from what should be an opportunity for all of us to spend a few moments reflecting on the extraordinary life of Queen Elizabeth and, rather, we have people frustrated because they have internal issues to deal with,” Horgan said. on Friday, the final day of the weekly meeting of the Association of BC Municipalities in Whistler. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that September 19 will be a federal holiday to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who died on September 8. The federal government is giving all federal employees the day off, but has left it to the provinces and territories to decide whether they want to follow suit. While Ontario and Alberta and the Northwest Territories chose not to have a statutory holiday, BC will recognize the day as a public holiday for provincial public sector employees, with schools, post-secondary institutions and most Crown corporations closing shop . Many who work in the private sector will still have to work, and unexpected last-minute layoffs have put pressure on parents already dealing with a strained child care system, Lisa Connell, president of Tillicum Elementary’s Parent Advisory Council, told the Times Colonist on Wednesday. . While some working parents have negotiated ways to work from home during the pandemic, others who must be physically at work say it’s unrealistic to find childcare with less than a week’s notice. Horgan said the province is hearing from those unhappy about the holidays in B.C. “So we were in a bit of a quandary,” Horgan said. “I understand the challenges for parents. I really hope we can spend Monday as well as we can.” A provincial memorial service for Queen Elizabeth II will begin at 9.30am. at the BC Parliament, with a procession departing at 10:15am. for Christ Church Cathedral, where there will be a multifaith service beginning at 11 a.m. Horgan, Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin and a host of other dignitaries are expected to attend.
