Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared September 19 a federal holiday to mourn Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her funeral in London. Some provinces are closing schools and choosing workplaces, while others are not recognizing the holiday. Here’s what we know so far:
What did the federal government announce?
The prime minister announced on Tuesday that September 19 will be a federal holiday.
All federal government employees will get the day off, but the same does not automatically apply to workers in federally regulated industries such as banks and airlines.
The federal government has left the decision to follow suit to individual provinces and territories.
What are the different types of holidays in Canada?
Canada has nine designated statutory holidays with pay at the federal level. In addition, the federal government also recognizes Remembrance Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which are non-holidays across Canada. Provinces also have their own local provincial or municipal holidays, such as Family Day.
What did the provinces/territories decide on September 19?
— PEI: The province has declared the day a one-time statutory holiday for all provincially regulated employees. Government offices and public schools will remain closed.
— Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador: The provinces will close schools and government offices, but holidays will be optional for businesses and private sector employers.
— Ontario: The province won’t recognize the day as a holiday, saying people can observe a minute of silence at 1 p.m.
— Quebec: The province will not recognize the day as a holiday.
— Manitoba: The province will close all non-essential government services and offices for the day, but schools and childcare facilities will be open.
— Saskatchewan: The province will not recognize the day as a holiday.
— Alberta: The province has declared the day to be a provincial day of mourning, but it will not be a mandatory holiday.
— British Columbia: The province will recognize the day as a holiday for provincial public sector employees. Schools, post-secondary institutions and most Crown corporations will remain closed.
— Northwest Territories: The day will not be a public holiday in the Northwest Territories.
— Yukon: Yukon will observe the day as a one-time holiday for local public sector employees. Public schools and other public services in the territory will remain closed.
Nunavut: All government offices and services will be closed. Officials say private businesses are “welcome to follow suit,” but say the shutdown is not mandatory.
