ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The provincial government is preparing for the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Demise of the Crown Act is working its way through the House of Assembly to get the province ready for the death of the 93-year-old monarch, who, by all reports, is in good health.
The act ensures government business continues as usual upon the death of the Queen. The act means anyone who has sworn an oath of office will not have to retake an oath to maintain their position or take a new oath to the next monarch, Prince Charles.
The law also applies to court proceedings. On court dockets across the province, Her Majesty The Queen can be seen as the plaintiff or defendant in court matters. The new law ensures all criminal and civil proceedings can continue uninterrupted.
In addition to the legislative changes, there is protocol already in place for the eventual death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Upon her death, Buckingham Palace will formally notify Rideau Hall, where the Governor General of Canada resides. Rideau Hall will notify the Lieutenant Governors throughout the country and formally begin a period of mourning for the state.
The public will be provided with black ribbons and pins to wear during the mourning period, which will last 10 days after the Queen dies. Flags will also fly at half-mast for the period. A book of remembrance will be provided at Confederation Building, Government House and other locations throughout the province to allow members of the public to express their condolences to the Royal Family.
Those books will not make it to England, however — they will be archived at The Rooms as a historical document. Electronic versions will also be available for people to sign.
A national remembrance ceremony will take place in Ottawa, with a number of other services taking place in churches across the province.
Upon the accession of Prince Charles, a ceremony will take place to mark a new king, likely the day after Queen Elizabeth’s death.
Twitter:@DavidMaherNL
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