A holiday for some, not for others, causing trouble and confusion in BC

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British Columbia’s National Mourning Day will look different to different British Columbians as some take time off from work or school and try to follow a normal Monday routine.

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However, the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral is likely to cause chaos as schools are closed, trials are postponed, and some meetings and appointments may or may not be cancelled.

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Burnaby’s Ben Kori, father of five-year-old twins, said the unexpected school holiday forced him to rearrange his work schedule. “Fortunately I can do it, but not many others.”

Coli and his wife are also working and plan to switch up birthday parties and provide childcare for their children’s friends as well.

Vancouver’s Tara Sandberg can also manage unscheduled school holidays, but she struggles with the “irony” of two days off in two weeks.

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“I talked to my kids about the monarchy in terms of colonization,” she said. “I think this holiday is problematic.”

Kenta Martins, vice chair of the Vancouver School District’s Parents’ Advisory Board, said many parents who work in the private sector don’t have enough time to find childcare.

“It’s a very short timeline to reschedule during busy and chaotic times,” she said.

Although the day is not a statutory holiday, B.C. Premier John Horgan said public sector workers in the state will join federal employees to observe the holiday.K-12 public schools, public secondary schools Educational institutions, and most Crown businesses will also be closed.

Private sector employers were asked to “find ways to perceive or reflect on the day in ways that are appropriate for their employees.”

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This means that some clinics may be closed while others may remain open.

BC Green Leader Sonia Furstenau said she was “extremely concerned” about the disruption Monday’s holiday would bring to doctors, healthcare providers and patients.

Speaking at the BC Federation of Local Governments conference in Whistler, Furstenau said he heard “concerns from doctors that people were reluctant to cancel appointments they’d been waiting for months.”

“We really need a clear response from the health minister supporting the doctors to maintain these appointments and continue to serve those in desperate need in our communities,” she said.

The state could consider offering additional financial assistance to ensure health care workers work 1.5 hours or double the hours on Mondays, Furstenau said. It could be just as easy.”

“We are in crisis and we have to deal with it as such. “

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On the day of mourning, some city officials also rush to the scene.

One of the Oak Bay District’s final council meetings before the October election was scheduled for Monday night. Andrew Appleton. The municipality was working to figure out how to reschedule it.

“If you move a meeting, you have to give some notice,” he said. “If a meeting was scheduled for Monday, many local governments would probably be in the same boat.”

All state courts in BC will be closed on Monday, according to the state courts website. The BC Court of Appeals also announced that a hearing scheduled for Monday will be postponed. Parties will be contacted by the Registry to reschedule. The BC Supreme Court will also be closed on Monday, resetting many court appearances and trials on Tuesday, according to an online notice.

With files by Keith Fraser and Cheryl Chan

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