In acknowledgement of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral this coming Monday, September 19th, the federal and provincial governments have both announced that government offices will be closed and public sector employees will be largely not working. 

This will not be a full statutory holiday.  Businesses are welcome to mark to moment in their own ways as they see fit, but are not required to close or to pay statutory holiday pay.

In BC, however, the province will be closing K-12 public schools on Monday, as well as universities, government offices and public post-secondary institutions.  For business owners and employees with young children, this may cause challenges with sourcing unexpected childcare requirements for Monday.  

The Langley Chamber believes it was the right decision to allow businesses the option to mark this historic event in their own way, without enforcing a statutory holiday. However, the late-coming decision to close K-12 schools leaves many parents in a difficult position to balance work and childcare.  The Langley Chamber will engage with the province regarding the provisions in public sector contracts which caused this closure to be required without local consultation or consideration.