Canada Declares Public Holiday on Day of British Queen's Funeral... Some Provincial Governments Oppose

Commonwealth Countries Declare Public Holidays... Mourning the Queen's Passing
Prime Minister Trudeau in Talks with Regional Governments on Public Holidays

On the 13th, the Elizabeth II Queen condolence site was set up at the British Embassy in Jung-gu, Seoul. The British Embassy in Korea will receive domestic and international mourners at the embassy from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM for four days from the 13th to the 16th. Condolences can be paid without prior reservation, but vehicle traffic and parking are not allowed. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Yeju] The Canadian federal government has designated September 19, the day of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, as a federal holiday, the British daily The Guardian reported on the 13th (local time).

According to the report, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated, "It is important to ensure that Canadians have the opportunity to mourn the funeral," adding, "I inform federal government employees that it will be a day of mourning."

About 90% of Canadian workers are under provincial rather than federal government jurisdiction. Therefore, most workers are expected to work regardless of the federal holiday designation.

Contrary to Prime Minister Trudeau's holiday plan, the responses from provincial governments have been lukewarm.

Fran?ois Legault, Premier of Quebec, said that while the funeral day will be designated as a day of remembrance, it will not be a holiday. Quebec, a French-speaking province, is not favorable toward the British monarchy.

Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, the most populous province, also stated that September 19 will be observed as a day of remembrance but will not be designated as a holiday. In a statement, Ford said, "On this day, all Ontarians will have the opportunity to reflect on the remarkable life and dedication of Queen Elizabeth II," adding, "Students will learn at school about the Queen's contributions to Ontario, Canada, and the entire Commonwealth, as well as the accession of Charles III."

Economic organizations also opposed the holiday designation. Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, pointed out in a statement, "Declaring a holiday six days in advance is very unfair to small and medium-sized businesses and will impose a burden of billions of dollars."

Earlier, Australia and New Zealand, two representative Commonwealth countries, announced that they would designate September 22 and 26, respectively, as one-time holidays this year to commemorate the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

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