By David Opinko

Queen Elizabeth II

Alberta to observe moment of silence for Queen’s passing

Sep 14, 2022 | 6:28 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The Government of Alberta has announced plans to honour the life of Queen Elizabeth II and to mourn her passing.

She passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at age 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland following a 70-year rule.

The province will hold an outdoor ceremony at the Alberta legislature in Edmonton on Monday, September 19 at 10:00 a.m., beginning with a moment of silence. This will coincide with the Queen’s funeral in London.

Premier Jason Kenney says workplaces, schools, offices, and retail stores are encouraged to also observe the moment of silence.

It is recommended that employers make accommodations for employees to either attend the ceremony or otherwise mark the occasion.

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Schools will be encouraged to offer opportunities for students to take part. Kenney says Alberta Education will provide further information to school boards shortly.

“Albertans, Canadians and the peoples of the Commonwealth will join together on this day in sorrow to mourn the death of Her late Majesty and to commemorate her long and faithful service,” says Kenney. “I sincerely hope that Albertans find some time on this day to honour the remarkable life of Queen Elizabeth II and I strongly encourage employers and schools to appropriately mark this sombre and historic occasion.”

Kenney says in a tweet that the Alberta Government will hold a special sitting on Thursday September 15 to allow the province’s elected officials to offer tributes to the queen. The government will also proclaim the accession of King Charles III as the King of Canada.

After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared September 19, 2022, as a federal holiday, provinces including B.C., New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and P.E.I. also announced that they would recognize the holiday for provincial workers.

The Government of Alberta joins Ontario in not declaring the day as a provincial holiday.