BC Schools will close on Monday for Queen Elizabeth’s Funeral

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British Columbian schools will be closed next Monday to mark Queen Elizabeth’s Funeral, Premier Horgan announced in a statement today. 

“K-12 public schools and public post-secondary institutions, and most Crown corporations will be closed,” Horgan said.

“This will be a national day to reflect on the incredible life of Canada’s Queen and the longest-serving monarch in British history.”

“Over the last few days, British Columbians have joined with people across the country and around the world in an outpouring of support for the Royal Family over the loss of Queen Elizabeth II. Our government will follow the lead of the federal government and join with other provinces in observing the national day of mourning to mark the Queen’s funeral,” the statement read.

Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for over 70 years, died last Thursday at the age of 96.

This statement comes after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this morning that a federal holiday would take place on September 19, the day of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.

The federal holiday will give federal government employees the day off. However, it is up to the provinces to declare a public holiday for students and workers. 

Prince Edward Island will make Monday a holiday for all provincially regulated employees. Schools and government offices in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador will be closed on Monday.

Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan have opted to hold a day of commemoration, rather than a public holiday. Students in these provinces will still be in school on Sept. 19.

Alberta has yet to make a decision on a holiday for the Queen’s Funeral.