OTTAWA, ON – The Hon. Erin O’Toole, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and of the Official Opposition, today released the following statement condemning Whole Foods for banning employees from wearing poppies:

“The past sacrifice of Canadians provides the freedom for a big American grocery chain to be stupid today. 

“It is shameful – and frankly un-Canadian – that Whole Foods is banning their employees from showing respect for our Veterans.

“To those of us who have proudly served our country, to those still serving, to the fallen who have paid the ultimate sacrifice – this is not a cause.

“For almost a century, the Poppy Campaign has been a way for Canadians to pay tribute to these brave men and women, and provide a much-needed financial boost to the Royal Canadian Legion to deliver services to Veterans and their families.

“Let’s tell Whole Foods to stop trying to be Woke Foods. The poppy is a sign of respect.

“My wife Rebecca and I will proudly wear our poppies as we shop for our groceries elsewhere.”

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Chelsea Tucker
chelsea.tucker@parl.gc.ca
(613) 219-3790

Axel Rioux
axel.rioux@parl.gc.ca
(613) 291-7125