The provincial government is leaving businesses to decide how to mark a Day of Mourning declared for next Monday, September 19..

The province’s decision to mark the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II as a Day of Mourning means that provincial government offices, and schools, will be closed, but businesses are being left with the option to close or stay open.

That’s good news for businesses, but difficult for some families, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Atlantic Director Louis-Philippe Gauthier says in some provinces there are no closures, but in PEI the entire province is shutting down.

He says closing the schools will put an added strain on families who will be left scrambling to find alternate childcare arrangements.

Changes to Court

Monday’s Day of Mourning means changes to the provincial court schedule.

Any matters originally scheduled for Monday will be called at the same time on Tuesday, September 20 unless otherwise rescheduled.

WASH Court will go ahead.