The Government of Canada will provide a statutory holiday for its officials to allow them to “mourn” Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her funeral, Monday, September 19.
“We are going to declare a federal holiday,” confirmed the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, on the sidelines of a government announcement on Tuesday.
“Each province will make its decision. […] We are working with the provinces and territories on their perspective on this,” he added.
This leave would thus only apply to civil servants, and not to workers in federal jurisdictions, such as those in the transport, telecommunications or banking sectors, for example. In any case, the vast majority of workers in Canada are under provincial jurisdiction.
Just “a day of commemoration” in Quebec
Passing through Montreal on Tuesday, the Premier of Quebec quickly closed the door to a day off for Quebec civil servants or other workers in the province.
“It’s a day of commemoration, but there will be no public holiday,” François Legault quickly declared. He plans to continue campaigning.
Justin Trudeau declined Tuesday to comment on the idea of reviewing the role of the monarchy in Canada, saying Canadians talk to him more about the rising cost of living, global inflation, and the war in Ukraine.
“We are always open to discussions that strengthen our democracy and our institutions, especially when they are attacked from various places,” he said.
Prime Minister Trudeau and the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, are expected to fly to London over the weekend to attend the funeral of the former head of state of Canada. Details of the trip, such as the participation of opposition party leaders, have yet to be announced.