The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed Monday, September 19, as a day in tribute and commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II but did not designate the day as a provincial public statutory holiday.
“Her late Majesty’s seven decades of selfless public service is an honourable legacy,” Premier Scott Moe said. “We will pay tribute to her incredible dedication and commemorate her 70-year reign in a memorial service in our capital city – the Queen City.”
A memorial service is set for 7 p.m. on September 19 at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Regina.
Provinces have been in a rush since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced next Monday would be a federal holiday to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
While the announcement signalled that federal government workers would get a day off on September 19th, the day of the Queen’s state funeral in London and commemorative events across Canada, provinces had to work out the details for other workplaces, including schools.
Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador said they would observe the national day of mourning by closing schools and government offices. Still, all three provinces said the holiday was optional for private-sector employers.
Manitoba said it would close non-essential government services and offices but keep schools and child-care facilities open.
Ontario and Quebec are not recognizing the holiday with any closures.
While other provinces are deciding whether to declare a holiday on September 19th, B-C is resisting an immediate commitment.
Ahead of the flurry of provincial decisions, Trudeau said he would be working with provinces and territories to ensure they’re “aligned.”
“Declaring an opportunity for Canadians to mourn on Monday is going to be important,” Trudeau said at a caucus retreat in New Brunswick.
with files from The Canadian Press
