Manitoba will honour the national day of mourning for Queen, but not a holiday
Posted September 13, 2022 6:48 pm.
Last Updated September 15, 2022 10:07 am.
Editor’s note: Update to the headline reflecting Sep. 19 will not be a holiday in Manitoba.
Manitoba will follow the federal government’s decision to mark Sept. 19 as a day of mourning.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement in News Brunswick on Tuesday saying it’s an important opportunity for Canadians to mourn.
“We have also chosen to move forward with a federal holiday, on Monday,” said Trudeau.
“We will be working with the provinces and territories to try and see if we are aligned on this. There are still a few details to be worked out.”
Federal employees in the public service will have the day off. Federally regulated private companies like airlines or telecommunications are encouraged to give a day off but it’s not mandatory.
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson says the province will close all non-essential government services but schools will remain open.
“I encourage all Manitobans to take a moment to reflect on Her late Majesty’s special relationship with our province and her countless contributions to our country and the entire Commonwealth,” said Stefanson. “Queen Elizabeth II had a remarkable reign and an unwavering commitment to service and duty. May she rest in peace.”
Within the province, a 21-gun salute will take place at the Legislative Building, followed by a Royal Gun Salute of 96 rounds to honour each year of Her Majesty’s life.
A memorial service will also take place at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Cathedral in Winnipeg, by invitation. And church bells will also ring 96 times.
How do Manitobans feel?
“It’s what I think Canadians expected seeing the Commonwealth countries like United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, all making holidays in memory of her late majesty. And I think it was completely the right decision,” said Logan Luit, with the Monarchist League of Canada
Luit says it felt like the world stopped when he learned of the Queen’s passing. Luit plans on watching the Queen’s funeral on Monday and marking what he says will be a day of sorrow for Canada.
“Almost half of our country’s modern history was spent under the reign of Elizabeth the II, so I think really there was no way that this was not going to go commemorated,” added Luit.
A recent Leger poll says 48 per cent of Canadians intend to watch the Queen’s funeral on television. CityNews asked people what they thought about the holiday announcement.
“I’m so glad that we are having a holiday, it’s very debatable these days of course but, it’s good, it’s good,” said Neela Lane.
“It’s worth having a day off for someone who’s been on the throne for 70 years, a large part of the country’s life,” said Selven Chetty.
“It’s a wonderful tribute and respect to the Queen, and I think it’s fantastic,” said Claude Friesen.
“Yeah no, I think it’s ridiculous. We have more important issues than celebrating the Queen which I could go on, she hasn’t done too many great things over the last little while so, yeah, makes me upset,” explained Lyndsay.
Other provincial decisions
At this time, it’s not known if all provinces and territories will also declare a holiday for provincial employees.
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador also said they would observe the national day of mourning by closing schools and government offices, but all three provinces said the holiday was optional for private-sector employers.
PEI is declaring the day a statutory holiday for provincial employees and will be closing government offices and schools.
British Columbia is taking the same approach by giving public-sector employees the day off and closing public schools, post-secondary institutions and most Crown corporations. In a statement, the provincial government said it encourages private-sector employers to “find a way to recognize or reflect on the day in a way that is appropriate for their employees.”
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Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan are not recognizing the holiday with any closures.
The Ontario government said in a statement that residents can choose to observe a moment of silence at 1 p.m. that day. The Toronto Stock Exchange confirmed that it will be open for trading as usual.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault was asked about the possibility on the campaign trail on Tuesday. He told reporters that it would be a day of commemoration, but not a public holiday.
“First, I think about the students, and I wouldn’t like them to miss school,” Legault said. “We had enough with the pandemic so I think it’s not a good idea to close schools or put parents in a position where they wouldn’t be able to work.”
The office of Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said in a statement that it would not be designating Sept. 19 as a public statutory holiday, but would instead proclaim it as “a day in tribute and commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II.”
Ahead of the flurry of provincial decisions, Trudeau had said that 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 on Tuesday.
At this time, Alberta remains the only province to not provide a statement regarding the federal government’s announcement.
-With files from the Canadian Press