The federal government announced Tuesday that Sept. 19 will be recognized as a national day of mourning across the country to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The date coincides with the Queen’s state funeral, which will be held in London, U.K. It will also mark the end of Canada’s official period of mourning.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it is a chance for Canadians to pay their respects and commemorate Canada’s longest-reigning monarch.
The Queen died Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
“For most Canadians, she was the only monarch we ever knew and many of us felt a deep affection and appreciation for her dedication to Canada,” said Trudeau.
“This is a time to honour an extraordinary life of public service marked by grace, dignity and an unwavering sense of duty.”
Ottawa says Sept. 19 will be designated a holiday for the public service of Canada. Other employers are also invited to recognize the day.
Meanwhile, government offices and schools in New Brunswick will also close on Monday as part of the national day of mourning. The province said this holiday is optional for private sector employers.
The federal government will hold a national commemorative ceremony that day to honour the Queen’s life and service at the Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa, Ont.
It will include a memorial parade, a 96-gun salute and a flypast of Royal Canadian Air Force CF‑18s. The ceremony will be broadcast live.