September 19 will be National Day of Mourning

Queen Elizabeth II

PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday announced that September 19 will be a National Day of Mourning in Canada to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. This coincides with the late Queen’s state funeral in London, U.K., and the end of the official period of mourning in Canada.

“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 added.

There will also be a national commemorative ceremony to honour the life and service of the Queen. The ceremony will be held at the Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa on September 19 at 11 a.m. It will be preceded by a memorial parade and a 96-gun salute – one shot for each year of the Queen’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.

Trudeau said: “On September 19, Canadians from across the country will pay their respects to Canada’s longest-reigning sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 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.”

 

Quick Facts

  • 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.