Prime Minister Heather Stefansson announced in a press release on Tuesday that non-essential government services and offices would remain closed, but schools and childcare facilities would remain open. The day will not be a legislative holiday, as such a move would require legislative changes, Olivia Billson, the premier’s press secretary, said in an email to CTV News Winnipeg. Chuck Davidson, president and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, said in an interview before the announcement that the government’s approach makes sense. “It’s a really tight turnaround for a lot of employers who would have employees come in, have events, have meetings — all those things are scheduled for that Monday,” Davidson said. “I understand that there is a uniqueness to this. This is not going to be an ongoing thing that happens annually. We understand that, but I think the best thing is that we obviously recognize this day of mourning.” The decision comes after the federal government announced on Tuesday that Monday would be a federal holiday and national mourning. “We’re going to work with the provinces and territories to try to see that we’re aligned on this,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said earlier Tuesday. “There are still some details that need to be worked out.” Federal government employees will be furloughed. Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s labor minister, tweeted that federally regulated employers are welcome to follow suit, but are not required to do so. The rules for provincially regulated sectors and companies, which affect the vast majority of Canadian workers, vary across the country. “If the provinces follow suit and declare a statutory holiday, then the rubber really hits the road,” said Dan Kelly, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). The CFIB had called on the provinces not to make it a day off. In Quebec and Ontario, the day of the funeral will not be a public holiday, but Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick will have a one-time statutory holiday. “It’s the paid statutory holiday element that is a concern for small business owners as they will either be forced to close or if they stay open in some cases they will be forced to pay a year and a half,” Kelly said. Ron and Rhonda Neufeld, who spoke to CTV News Winnipeg outside the Manitoba legislature, where they signed a condolence book for the queen, supported Ottawa’s decision. “I think we love her and we appreciate her and I think this is a way to preserve that,” Ron said. “We really respect her and appreciate her service for 70 years. Unbelievable.” But they said they understand the concerns of it being a day off for everyone. “I know for business owners this would be a bigger deal,” Rhonda said. Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Deputy Chief Cornell McLean told CTV News by phone that he respects the federal government’s decision to make Monday a federal holiday out of respect for the Queen who served as the Crown Chief who signed Treaties with First Nations. The premier is encouraging Manitobans to take a moment to think about the queen and wants schools to observe a moment of silence on Monday. There will be a 21-gun salute on the south lot of the Manitoba legislature to coincide with a federal memorial service in Ottawa. The province said there will also be a 96-shot royal gun salute to mark each year of the Queen’s life. A provincial memorial service is also planned for 7pm on Monday at St John’s Anglican Cathedral. The church bells will ring 96 times before the service begins.
