Province enters official period of mourning for Queen

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This article was published 09/09/2022 (1448 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Flags will remain at half-mast and the Royal Cypher will illuminate the Manitoba Legislative Building nightly, as the provincial government memorializes Queen Elizabeth during a formal period of mourning that began Friday.

An announcement by Premier Heather Stefanson in Brandon and an Opposition news conference at Grace Hospital were postponed following the English monarch’s death a day earlier.

After a 70-year reign, the Queen died Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, at age 96.

“Most jurisdictions do not anticipate a complete shutdown of operations during the period of mourning, but it is suggested that, out of respect, events, announcements and social media activities be limited,” Brad Robertson, chief of protocol for the Manitoba government, advised lawmakers via email.

“Certainly, the above-mentioned activities should absolutely not take place on the first day of mourning… or on the national day of mourning.”

A 10-day period was announced by the federal government and a national commemorative ceremony will be held at Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa. A date for the service has yet to be set. During the period of mourning, all flags on federal government buildings will be flown at half-mast.

Across Manitoba, flags have been lowered at provincial government buildings for the 10-day period or until the commemorative service is held, a spokesperson for the province said Friday. Flags at City of Winnipeg-owned buildings have also been lowered.

Memorial services for the Queen are also being planned by the Manitoba government, though details of the events were not yet available.

In a memo issued late day Friday, the Manitoba Protocol Office said a “demise of the Crown” committee has been in place for several years to prepare for “the many tasks that are required with the news of Her Majesty’s passing.”

In addition to the lowering of flags, protocol requires a black ribbon to be placed on Queen Elizabeth’s portrait, which hangs in room 200 at the legislature. Black ribbon has also been placed on the flag of Canada and the flag of Manitoba, located in the main foyer of the building.

Also in the foyer is a book of condolences signed by Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon, which is open only to elected officials at this time.

Members of the public will be invited to sign books of condolences beginning Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. The books will be located at the Manitoba Legislative Building (450 Broadway); at Winnipeg city hall on the main floor of the council building (510 Main St.) during regular operating hours; and at Brandon city hall until the period of mourning concludes.

Across Broadway, lights for the City Hydro Fountain at Memorial Park will be purple in recognition of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which was celebrated this year.

A military gun salute and proclamation ceremony are also being planned during the period of mourning, a provincial spokesperson said.

A ceremony to proclaim the accession of King Charles will take place Saturday at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, the office of Gov. Gen. Mary Simon announced.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca