Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is speaking out after reports that some court staff were prohibited from wearing poppies while on duty this week.
In a social media post, Houston called the order “disgusting,” saying the poppy is not a political statement but a national symbol of remembrance and respect for those who served and sacrificed for Canada.
Houston said the decision by judges to restrict poppies in certain court facilities shows poor judgment, emphasizing that Canadians enjoy democratic freedoms because of the courage of those who fought to defend them.
While acknowledging judicial independence, Houston said his respect lies with veterans, adding that he stands behind anyone who wants to wear a poppy in their workplace.
The premier said if necessary, his government will introduce legislation called the Nova Scotia Remembrance Observance Act, which would enshrine the right for Nova Scotians to wear a poppy at work from November 1 to 11 each year.
This isn’t the first time Houston has weighed in on Remembrance-related controversies.
Last year, he condemned a decision by a Halifax-area school that asked Armed Forces members to attend its Remembrance Day ceremony in civilian clothes, calling the request “disgraceful and demeaning.” The school later apologized and reversed the decision.
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