Yukon to observe National Day of Mourning for late monarch
The Yukon will be following the lead of the federal government and joining other provinces and territories in observing the National Day of Mourning as a one-time holiday for territorial public sector employees.
The Yukon will be following the lead of the federal government and joining other provinces and territories in observing the National Day of Mourning as a one-time holiday for territorial public sector employees.
The courts will remain open.
The federal government has announced that Sept. 19 will be a National Day of Mourning to coincide with the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It will take place that day at Westminister Abbey in London.
Kindergarten to Grade 12 public schools and other public-facing services in the territory will be closed on Sept. 19.
“Private sector employers and organizations and other levels of government are encouraged to observe the National Day of Mourning in ways that are suitable for their employees and operations,” the Yukon government said Wednesday afternoon.
Sept. 19 will be the last day of the official period of mourning.
That day, Yukoners are invited to a live screening of Canada’s national commemorative ceremony in honour of the Queen.
The live screening will begin at 8 a.m. local time at the Jim Smith Building foyer in Whitehorse.
The Yukon’s book of condolences will be available at the screening event for those who wish to sign it. Refreshments and light catering will be provided.
“Ensuring Yukoners have the opportunity to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is an important part of cherishing and honouring her legacy,” said Premier Sandy Silver.
“We encourage all employers to recognize and reflect on the National Day of Mourning in a way that is appropriate for their employees.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II led an exceptional life dedicated to public service and helping Canadians.
‘On behalf of all Yukoners, I extend our sympathies once again to all members of the Royal Family.”
Queen Elizabeth acceded to the throne on Feb. 6, 1952 and reigned for more than 70 years. She died last Thursday in Scotland at the age of 96.
Yukoners wishing to pass along their sympathy to the Royal Family are encouraged to sign the online condolence book.
Alternatively, people wishing to sign the condolence book in person can do so at the Office of the Commissioner of Yukon at Taylor House at 412 Main St. from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Comments (23)
Up 10 Down 2
You gots some ‘splaining’ to do Lucy ! on Sep 20, 2022 at 10:55 pm
Did you misspell Dennis? At Dentist47 on Sep 19, 2022 at 7:38 pm:
The queen played a prominent role in decolonizing many states/countries. Crack a book dude! This whole make shyt up, complain about it, and receive a big fat check thing is getting tired!
Why do you have the privilege to be offended? I am offended that you are offended! I am offended that the Libs have stated that their most important relationship is with First Peoples. Tell us again about your belief that diversity is our strength…
Up 10 Down 4
Yukoner ‘71 on Sep 20, 2022 at 2:39 pm
@Dentist 47, whatever. You have obviously never educated yourself about all that the queen did for the commonwealth and the entire world. If you don’t have anything intelligent to say don’t say anything at all.
Up 22 Down 4
Jim on Sep 20, 2022 at 10:13 am
@Wtf?, do you really believe people choose private sector. You should be thankful that people actually work in the private sector. If you think everyone should work for the government, I think you should maybe take a simple economics course. Who exactly do you think pays for all these government holidays? Who do you think pays for all their sick days, stress leave, holidays, air travel and sitting at home through Covid?
To suggest that the private sector is just jealous of government waste is a little off the mark. I think you might find that most are more insulted by the fact that the government can legislate their own holidays, then try and guilt the private sector into doing the same. As you may have noticed by the debt being incurred and the inflation taking place, that the government doesn’t take any responsibility for it. They will most likely just negotiate a new wage package to cover any increased cost of living. After all, they don’t have to create profit. They just shove their snouts into the trough for a little more. So no, I for one am not jealous. I’m more p**sed off than anything. And the more the government raises themselves above the private sector, the more private sector will speak up. The government cancer has to be slowed.
Up 7 Down 15
Dentist47 on Sep 19, 2022 at 7:38 pm
The queen was a highly privileged person, given an opportunity to influence world events in some degree, which she had to do nothing to earn, who never did anything particularly remarkable, innovative, or insightful.
Up 4 Down 20
Dentist47 on Sep 19, 2022 at 7:27 pm
Sandy her legacy is one of colonialism.
Up 19 Down 6
Peter on Sep 18, 2022 at 2:18 pm
It should be a holiday for all or no one. I'm sick of my taxes paying for government employees to get extra holidays that the private sector don't get. Boxing day, Easter Monday, rendezvous and now for the Queen passing.
Up 33 Down 6
Dave on Sep 18, 2022 at 11:53 am
Bingo, as a government employee I agree with you wholeheartedly. We should have an annual Public Appreciation Day where government employees work for free and also other government fees, taxes, etc. are put on hold for the day. One day out of the year when the government doesn’t have its hand in your pocket.
Up 11 Down 37
Wtf?! on Sep 17, 2022 at 6:34 pm
Dear Folks in the private sector - you chose to work in the private sector. If holidays are a priority for you, maybe you should consider a change of employment??
Up 34 Down 1
Groucho d'North on Sep 17, 2022 at 10:39 am
@Politico
There are many private sector businesses that do not observe stat holidays and they remain open and ready to serve all the bureaucrats and union members who get a paid day off. These are the people who flip the burgers, work in the big box stores and mom & pop shops. They pump the gas, repair broken items and perform all the many tasks for the people who are observing a hastily created day off. Our communities do not take a day off, there are many who dilligently perform their jobs so the rest of us can move on in our lives with lesser responsibilities.
Up 35 Down 7
Bingo on Sep 16, 2022 at 5:26 pm
Perhaps we should have a day where every government worker goes to work for free, change it up a bit.
Up 43 Down 4
Jim on Sep 16, 2022 at 1:59 pm
@Politico, ah yes, the dreaded profit. You do realize without profit there is no reason for anyone to be in business. Only the government can throw around holidays, special leave, stress leave and extra paid time off for course or even pay for volunteering for sporting events. Why? Because they don’t pay for it. Job performance is not a priority. Just have to look at the lack of service, federally and territorially to see that. Nobody was laid off and most were at home through Covid. Some still are.
Up 30 Down 8
Yukoner on Sep 16, 2022 at 7:25 am
@Politico of course they will, it's about putting food on the tables for their families. Having to work for your money; I know it's a strange concept to some YG employees but endless days off are a huge pain for families. Take for example the 5 day weekend families are going to have to figure out with Truth and Reconciliation Day and two teacher PD days tacked on. Thats 3 vacation days a private sector worker has to take on top of two weeks for Christmas and two weeks for spring break, and maybe they want to take a day off over the summer. How many vacation days does Sandy think people get?
Up 28 Down 8
bonanzajoe on Sep 15, 2022 at 8:34 pm
@Miche on Sep 15, 2022: And don't forget, the government workers who have to work get double time and half pay. Private sector who pay their salaries just get regular pay.
Up 29 Down 9
bonanzajoe on Sep 15, 2022 at 8:31 pm
@Politico on Sep 15, 2022: "It's all about the profit!" Yeah, it's about profit for the government workers. It's just another normal day for the private sector.
Up 26 Down 7
bonanzajoe on Sep 15, 2022 at 8:28 pm
So, government employees get a paid day off, and private companies don't. It's certainly not fair. What about the school bus drivers? They are forced to lose a day's pay.
Up 26 Down 5
Another stat most of us work and pay for. on Sep 15, 2022 at 7:38 pm
@Miche—3 days this September. It’s ridiculous.
Sept 5, 19 and 30
Up 25 Down 8
Matthew on Sep 15, 2022 at 5:55 pm
Wtf.. Can't have it both ways.. cry rivers about "colonialism" and then mourn the death of her.. coo coo
Up 34 Down 12
Gov't Employee on Sep 15, 2022 at 5:35 pm
There are quite a few government employees (like me) who didn't want Monday off, but we also didn't get a choice. So... please try not to paint us all with the same brush.
Up 30 Down 10
Juniper Jackson on Sep 15, 2022 at 5:28 pm
I can mourn the passing of an era without a day off. This government is so lopsided.
Up 18 Down 7
Resident on Sep 15, 2022 at 4:50 pm
@Miche
The public sector accounts for 45-50% of all employment. You can expect over half the territory to get the day off, the majority of those with pay.
That's why the discussion around September 30 is pointless. It will be negotiated into collective agreements and half the territory will get the day off with pay regardless of what the Legislature decides. The Legislature can throw the business community a bone by declining to make September 30 a statutory holiday while collecting the political boon of half the voter base getting one regardless.
Up 27 Down 8
Heathen on Sep 15, 2022 at 4:43 pm
Utter nonsense. I’ve always respected the monarchy and its role in our history, for better or worse, but a national day of mourning? And only for a few? That is a bit rich. It almost makes me want to become an ardent republican!
Up 84 Down 11
Miche on Sep 15, 2022 at 3:09 pm
Isn't great that all the non-government employees get to to work to pay taxes so all the government employees can have another paid day off. That will be two days this month government employees get off.
Then you have the people who will have to take off a day with out pay to take care of their school age children who are too young to stay home alone. So they will loose a day's pay.
And isn't nice that they are hosting a free viewing for all the government employees to go watch. Too bad most people will still be working as we do not get the day off.
Up 21 Down 53
Politico on Sep 15, 2022 at 1:59 pm
Of course businesses will remain open and fully functional. It's all about the profit!