Monday, September 19th has been declared a federal holiday in Canada, called Canada’s National Day of Mourning. The Prime Minister made the announcement at the national caucus retreat in St. Andrews, New Brunswick today (tues). He says they will be working with the provinces and territories to see that federal and provincial governments are aligned on the concept of a statutory holiday but that there are still some details to be worked out.

The queen’s coffin was flown back to London today and transported to Buckingham Palace. The funeral for Queen Elizabeth is Monday after lying in state at Parliament.

The province has proclaimed next Monday a day in tribute and commemoration of the Queen, but has not designated it as a provincial public statutory holiday. However, those who are employed under federal jurisdiction will be getting the day off.

Books of condolence are available to sign at the Legislative Building, Government House or at City Halls in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert, as well as the website of the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan or the federal government’s website. A memorial service in Saskatchewan is scheduled for 7 o’clock Monday night at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Regina. Flags in the province remain at half-mast for Her Majesty until sunset on Monday.

There will also be a national commemorative ceremony to honour her life and service. It will be held at the Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa at 9 a.m. Saskatchewan time, 11 a.m. in Ontario, preceded by a memorial parade and a 96-gun salute, with one shot for each year of Queen Elizabeth II’s life. Then, the Royal Canadian Air Force CF 18s will do a fly past. It will all be broadcast live.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says it will be federal holiday and other employers across the country are also invited to recognize the National Day of Mourning. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne on February 6th of 1952 and was crowned in Westminster Abbey on June 2nd, 1953, reigning for over 70 years.