Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that Canada will observe a federal holiday as Queen Elizabeth II is buried in the U.K.
The country will join other Commonwealth nations such as New Zealand and Australia by marking Monday, September 19 as a holiday and a day of mourning.
Trudeau made the announcement on Tuesday during the final day of the Liberal caucus retreat in New Brunswick.
By comparison, Ontarians will not be getting a provincial statutory holiday. Premier Doug Ford said instead the province will hold a day of mourning with a moment of silence at 1pm.
“This will give all Ontarians an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable life of Queen Elizabeth II and her unrelenting commitment to service and duty,” Ford said. “It also allows students to be in school learning about the many contributions the Queen made to the people of Ontario, Canada, and the entire Commonwealth, as well as the accession of King Charles III. We encourage all Ontarians to use this day to honour Her Majesty and pay tribute to the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind.”
Queen Elizabeth’s funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey, followed by a service in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, which will be her final resting place.
The Queen passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8 at the age of 96. She will be buried next to her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip.
