New Ontario law will guarantee workers the right to wear poppies around Remembrance Day

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Published October 28, 2021 at 4:05 pm

Photo: Frank Gunn/Canadian Press

Ontario is introducing legislation that would give workers the right to wear a poppy during the week of Remembrance Day.

The Progressive Conservative government says it wants to enshrine the right in law to remind employers that Ontario “owes a debt of gratitude” to those who serve the country.

It says that position should be reflected in employment policies and practices.

There will be an exception to the proposed law if a poppy poses a safety hazard.

Premier Doug Ford vowed to introduce the legislation last November amid controversy over a since−revoked policy at grocery chain Whole Foods Market that forbade employees from wearing anything other than their basic uniforms, including poppies. At the time some had argued the poppy can be viewed as offensive.

The U.S.−based Whole Foods said it had not intended to suggest a lack of support for Remembrance Day and called the feedback it received on the matter helpful.

 

 

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