2021 marks 100 years of the Remembrance Poppy

Each year on November 11, we pay tribute to members of the Canadian Forces who fought to defend our values and freedom, and to those who continue to serve our country today.

This year, Remembrance services may have changed in that some services may have a virtual component, in observance of health and safety measures. I encourage everyone to find a way to pay tribute to our veterans and active service members and to observe a moment of silence on November 11^th at 11 am.

As Canadian’s we have shared in the practice of wearing a poppy during Remembrance week leading up to November 11^th. This tradition has been with Canadians for 100 years.  Money raised by the Royal Canadian Legion through the poppy campaign go into a trust fund that directly supports Veterans and their families. Donations provide financial assistance through each of the 1400 branches of Legions across the country.

This year, in the Ontario Legislature, I was pleased to support an amendment to the Remembrance Week Act, 2016, to give Ontario workers the right to wear a poppy in the workplace, during Remembrance Week.

By enshrining in law the right to wear a poppy in the workplace and its status as a symbol of remembrance and respect, for the last 100 years, the government is reminding employers that Ontario owes a debt of gratitude to those who serve our country in uniform – during war, times of conflict and in peacetime.

Although we may not be able to gather in large groups this year, please find a way to honour our veterans. Thank a veteran, thank an active service member, purchase a poppy to wear, spend a minute of silence on November 11, or take part in or join a virtual Remembrance service online. Those who chose to defend our country in uniform will appreciate your act of remembrance.

Lest we forget.