Black ribbons were attached to the Canadian flag and a photo of Queen Elizabeth II in council chambers as the City of Moose Jaw recognized the death of Canada’s head of state.
“It’s been a traumatic week for many of us. I would like … to take the time to have a moment of silence for the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II,” Mayor Clive Tolley said at the beginning of the Sept. 12 regular meeting.
All members of council and city administration wore small black ribbons as a symbol commemorating the late monarch.
“We’ve had the flags at half mast on city hall, and they were raised for a while for the accession of Prince Charles III to the throne,” Tolley said. “And now they have been put at half-mast again (until the Queen’s burial).
“If you’re able to stand, please stand, and we’ll have a moment of silence honouring Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.”
Everyone in the room then stood in silence for about 20 seconds.
Afterward, the mayor asked everyone to remain standing for another moment of silence to remember the “terrible tragedy” on the James Smith Cree Nation during the Labour Day weekend, where 10 people were stabbed to death and nearly 20 were injured.
Everyone in council chambers stood for another 20 seconds before the regular business of the meeting resumed.
Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral is Monday, Sept. 19.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, Sept. 26.
