‘Scrambling’: Some BC parents and businesses frustrated with closures for Queen’s funeral – BC

Some B.C. parents and businesses expressed frustration on Monday over mandatory and optional closures associated with Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

Public schools and post-secondary institutions have been closed in a show of respect for Britain’s longest-serving monarch, who was laid to rest on the grounds of Windsor Castle. The provincial government has also granted a day off to most civil servants and crown corporation workers, following in Ottawa’s footsteps in observing the National Day of Mourning.

Some municipalities also went on civic leave, including Victoria and Vancouver, which contributed to difficulty finding child care for some parents and operational challenges for businesses that subsequently ran out of staff.

« My son attends daycare at one of our local (recreational) centers and it’s closed, so that’s not even an option, » said Lisa Connell, chair of the parent advisory council at Tillicum Elementary in Vancouver. .

« I think it could have been a learning opportunity in the schools. »

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BC Premier and Lieutenant Governor attend farewell to Queen Elizabeth II at Victoria Cathedral

Connell acknowledged the sadness of the occasion, but suggested a moment of silence might have been simpler than closing schools and sending parents « jostling » for child care that is already » hard to find » in many neighborhoods. Instructors could have taken time during their lessons to teach students about the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II and the role of the monarchy, she added.

Meanwhile, she said some parents had to absorb the cost of one-time vacations, instead of the provincial government.

« Some of them really need to work every day to put food on their table, » she said. « Not all employers are understanding. »

Mark Robinson, a single parent and community support worker in Nanaimo, British Columbia, said he was lucky to be able to take the day off. Many parents are not in the same boat, he added, and it is not just parents who are affected when government-run services are suspended.

« There’s definitely a ripple effect with the people I support, the people I work with, » he said.

« We are an essential service, so unfortunately it is becoming more difficult for everyone, not just for the staff, but also for the employer and the people we serve. »

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Sights and Sounds of Victoria’s Procession and Service in Honor of Queen Elizabeth II

In an emailed statement, ICBC said its essential services were still available on Monday, but test drive appointments are expected to be rescheduled. Some have already been booked on a priority basis, he added, and any remaining customers with appointments will be contacted soon.

Annie Dormuth, B.C. provincial affairs director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said she thinks most businesses in B.C. that want to stay open may on Monday, but they don’t. were not spared the initial “confusion” and “frustration” that accompanied the sudden vacation announcement.

“Keep in mind that over the last two years businesses have had to adapt their operations all the time, so these kinds of sudden changes are…unfortunately no longer the norm these days, but it still creates a situation quite stressful on the business itself,” she said.

Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, said some businesses were unable to operate at full capacity on Monday due to a shortage of staff. He echoed Dormuth’s comments about the confusion surrounding the National Day of Mourning.

“Is it a public holiday? Do we have to pay for 1.5 hours? » he said.

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British Columbia royal commentator travels to London for Queen’s funeral

Elizabeth, who died on September 8 at the age of 96, sat on the throne for 70 years. His son, King Charles III, is now head of state not only of the United Kingdom and Canada, but also of 13 other nations.

Dignitaries including the premier and lieutenant governor of British Columbia joined a memorial service for Queen Elizabeth on Monday in the capital city named after her great-great-grandmother.

The service at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria followed a procession which began at the Legislative Assembly and was led by the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy and members of a 100-member guard carrying their rifles upside down as a sign of mourning.

– with files from The Canadian Press