Despite this week’s announcement of a federal holiday to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, public service employees in the NWT will not be given the day off.
The territory’s public service employees will still have to show up to work on Monday, Sept. 19, according to a statement by Premier Caroline Cochrane.
“All government offices and service locations will be open for business as usual,” the statement reads.
The statement further explains that “In the Northwest Territories, our public service is much broader than in other jurisdictions and providing an additional holiday at this short notice would have far-reaching service delivery implications.”
“Like all residents, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and will find ways in my own life to consider her impact and mourn her passing.”
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced at a news conference in New Brunswick that Monday, Sept. 19 would be declared a national holiday for federal employees and those in federally-regulated industries.
That day, Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest at Westminster Abbey in London.
