Should Canadians get a paid day off for the Queen's funeral?
CTV
On Monday, Sept. 19, the day Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest, most Canadians will be at work or school. But some supporters of the beloved monarch are hoping Justin Trudeau will declare the day a statutory holiday.
On Monday, Sept. 19, the day Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest, most Canadians will be at work or school.
But some supporters of the beloved monarch are hoping Justin Trudeau will declare the day a statutory holiday, giving them the day off to watch the televised service and commemorate the Queen.
“I’m very optimistic and hopeful the prime minister will announce this,” said Keith Roy with the Monarchist League of Canada.
"As Canadians, we can come together with a national holiday. And I suggest that we turn it into a day of service, where Canadians are given a chance to not only watch the service in Westminster Abbey, but get together on that Monday to perform an act of service.”
The CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business supports the declaration of a ceremonial holiday but not a paid statutory one.
“It’s an important day, no question. But does it require a full day off work or pay in lieu? I suspect that is a step too far for most. People love getting extra time off, but it does throw the labour market into turmoil,” said Dan Kelly.
If the prime minister does declare a statutory holiday, federally-regulated employees would get the day off or extra pay if they’re required to work. But the vast majority of Canadians are employed in provincially regulated industries, and it would be up to individual provinces to decide if they would follow suit.
