Ontario Premier Doug Ford says September 19th won’t be considered a provincial holiday, but there will be time to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s passing on Monday.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the day would be considered a federal holiday for Canadians to mourn the queen.
However, federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan Jr explains that only federal government employees are guaranteed to get the day off, as employers in federally-regulated industries will have the choice to follow suit.
But for employees in provincially-regulated industries, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the day will be considered a Day of Morning in lieu of a holiday, with a moment of silence at 1 p.m.
“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. 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,” said Ford, in a prepared statement.
Commemoration ceremonies for the Queen's funeral will also be held in Canada on Monday, including a parade, a flypast and a church service in Ottawa that will be televised nationally.