(image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

STAT HOLIDAY

Kamloops Chamber pleased with B.C.’s decision on Queen’s holiday

Sep 15, 2022 | 4:12 PM

KAMLOOPS — Earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a national day of mourning for September 19, the day of the funeral for Queen Elizabeth II. That means it will be a holiday for federally-regulated workers.

In British Columbia, Premier John Horgan said public schools, post-secondary institutions and most provincial government facilities will close on Monday, however the private sector will not have to recognize the stat holiday.

Acacia Pangilinan from the Kamloops and District Chamber of Commerce is happy to see business owners have choice on Monday.

“I know from the chamber’s perspective we are very pleased that the provincial government is empowering individual businesses to make that decision. Because with just six days notice, it is really unfair to put that pressure on small businesses right now,” said Pangilinan.

TWO & OUT

PETERS: Celebration from Iranian ex-pats speaks louder than our skepticism of Trump

8h ago

LOOPED IN

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: March 5, 2026

Mar 05, 2026

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Supporting British Columbians through the Strategic Investment Fund

Mar 05, 2026

As the day is not officially a stat, private sector employers will not have to pay time-and-a-half to workers.

Across Kamloops, many businesses have chosen to close on Monday, but due to ongoing struggles others have said they can’t afford to close.

“I have heard from some who will be closing their operations to allow their teams to mourn the passing of the queen and watch the funeral proceedings. But we do have some that made the decision to stay open because, quite frankly, they didn’t have time to prepare for the costs of having another holiday.”