The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced on Tuesday that September 19, 2022, will be a National Day of Mourning in Canada, to mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
This coincides with Her Late Majesty’s State Funeral in London, United Kingdom, and the end of the official period of mourning in Canada.
“On September 19, Canadians from across the country will pay their respects to Canada’s longest-reigning sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” the Prime Minister said in a media release.
“For most Canadians, she was the only monarch we ever knew and many of us felt a deep affection and appreciation for her dedication to Canada. This is a time to honour an extraordinary life of public service marked by grace, dignity, and an unwavering sense of duty.”
The National Day of Mourning is an opportunity for Canadians from coast to coast to coast to commemorate Her Majesty.
It will be designated a holiday for the public service of Canada, and other employers across the country are also invited to recognize the National Day of Mourning, the Prime Minister’s office said in a media release.
There will also be a national commemorative ceremony to honour the life and service of Her Majesty.
The ceremony will be held at the Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa on September 19, 2022, at 11 a.m.
It will be preceded by a memorial parade and a 96-gun salute – one shot for each year of Her Majesty’s life – and followed by a flypast of Royal Canadian Air Force CF‑18s.
The ceremony, including the memorial parade, will be broadcast live for everyone to watch.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne on February 6, 1952.
She was crowned in Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953, and reigned for over 70 years.
Long associated with the Royal Family, Christ Church Cathedral is the Anglican cathedral in Canada’s capital.
It has been the site of state funerals for several Canadian prime ministers and governors general, as well as commemorative services for members of the Royal Family.
To pay tribute to Her Majesty, those in Canada’s National Capital Region may gather along the parade route on the National Day of Mourning.
Details will be communicated in the coming days.
Canadians are also invited to sign the online book of condolences or express their condolences in other ways.
Statutory holidays in Canada can only be granted through legislation, which must pass through the House of Commons and the Senate, and receive Royal Assent.
The Government of Canada has consulted the provinces and territories, who will determine an appropriate way to mourn Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in their jurisdictions.
No holiday in Ontario
Ontario is not declaring Monday a public holiday for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, published reports indicate.
However, the province will mark September 19 as as provincial ‘Day of Mourning’ and people can observe a moment of silence at 1 p.m., Premier Doug Ford stated.
“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 in a statement.
“We encourage all Ontarians to use this day to honour Her Majesty and pay tribute to the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind.”
Ford said the decision allows students to remain in class and learn about the contributions the Queen made to Ontario and the entire Commonwealth, along with the accession of King Charles III.
Wallaceburg Legion holding ceremony
The Wallaceburg Legion Branch 18 is holding a remembrance ceremony on Monday, September 19, 2022 at the Wallaceburg Cenotaph at 11 a.m.
“Public is certainly invited,” Legion officials say.
“Gather at 10:45 a.m. Branch 18 Executive and Members will be conducting the ceremonies. There will be one commemorative wreath laid in memory of ‘Our Queen’.”
Public condolence book available in Chatham-Kent to honour Queen Elizabeth II
Flags at Municipal Service Centres facilities in Chatham-Kent are being flown at half-mast in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.
Chatham-Kent residents mourning the Queen can sign a public condolence book at the Civic Centre in Chatham, 315 King Street West, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.
Municipal officials say those wishing to share messages digitally may do so using the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent tool via the link: www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/queen-elizabeth-ii-condolences.
Planning meeting postponed
Municipality of Chatham-Kent officials say the planning meeting scheduled for Monday, September 19, 2022, has been cancelled in respect to Queen Elizabeth II passing and funeral service.
This meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, October 17, 2022.
