Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, died at 96 on Sept. 8, 2022.  

Period of mourning

The period of mourning is from the day of the Queen’s death until sunset on Sept. 19, 2022, which is the day of the Queen’s funeral.

Immediate actions

The Province is marking the passing of the Queen with several initiatives, including a period of mourning and lowering flags to half-mast at the Parliament Buildings, Government House and all provincial buildings and establishments throughout the province. This is in addition to federal buildings.

Official portraits of the Queen have been draped in black. Where not possible to drape, her portrait remains on display until the day after the funeral. At that time, the portrait is to be removed.

The B.C. government website has been edged in black to mark the period of mourning: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/home, and a commemorative website has been published: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/office-of-the-premier/remembering-queen-elizabeth-ii

The Parliament Buildings are illuminated in a royal blue hue from dusk to midnight, joining a national initiative to symbolically unite Canadians in mourning. BC Place in Vancouver is also joining the initiative.

Condolence books

An online book of condolences has been created, and people may write messages here: www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/commemoration-her-majesty-the-queen/book.html 

This is the easiest and most convenient way for British Columbians to send their messages of condolence.

In addition, condolence books have been set up at the following locations for people to pay their respects:

• Parliament Buildings, Hall of Honour, regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.)
• Government House, 1401 Rockland Ave., Victoria (daily, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.)
• Vancouver Law Courts, The Great Hall, 800 Smithe St., Vancouver (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.)

The books will remain available for signing until the day after the Queen’s funeral. The condolence books will be kept in the national and provincial archives in perpetuity.

Flowers

The Queen was supportive of charitable work and patron of more than 600 charities and organizations around the world, including several organizations in Canada. In lieu of flowers, Canadians are encouraged to donate to or volunteer with a charity of their choice.

Commemorative ceremony

A national commemorative ceremony will be held in Ottawa at Christ Church Cathedral on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, at 8 a.m. (Pacific time) / 11 a.m. (Eastern time). The national commemorative ceremony will be broadcast live and available on digital media platforms so all Canadians can participate. 

For more information about the national commemorative ceremony, visit: www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/commemoration-her-majesty-the-queen/events.html

Here in B.C., a commemorative service will be held in Victoria on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, at Christ Church Cathedral. Details will be announced as soon as possible.