Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is considering legislation to protect the right to wear poppies in the workplace. This comes after reports that two judges in the province required court staff to seek permission to wear poppies in their courtrooms. The issue was highlighted by a local magazine, which stated that Judge Ronda van der Hoek and Justice Jean Dewolfe did not want court staff wearing poppies while on duty at the Kentville Justice Centre.

Houston expressed his disapproval on social media, stating, "This order was issued under the guise that the poppy is somehow a ‘political statement.’ This is disgusting. The poppy is not a political statement. It is a symbol of remembrance and respect for the fallen and those who served and continue to serve our country."

Andrew Preeper, a spokesman for the Nova Scotia courts, clarified that there was no formal ban on poppies. He stated, "Members of the public are welcome to wear poppies in the courthouse and courtroom. Staff who wished to wear poppies in the courtroom were advised to speak with the presiding judge. Conversations, as needed, have occurred around that specific topic."

Preeper explained that the discretion to allow or disallow symbols of support, such as poppies, lies with the presiding judge. He emphasized the importance of maintaining neutrality in the courtroom, stating, "To ensure the fair administration of justice, the courts must be neutral and appear to be neutral at all times, particularly inside the courtroom."

He referenced The Canadian Judicial Council’s Ethical Principles for Judges, which advises against wearing or displaying symbols of support to avoid any perception of bias. Preeper noted that this policy is not unique to Nova Scotia.

Reports indicate that the Sherriff’s Services Manager in Kentville instructed deputies to remove poppies before entering the courtroom. Additionally, a court clerk mentioned that staff must obtain permission from the sitting judge to wear a poppy inside the courtroom.

Poppies have been a symbol of remembrance in Canada since 1921. Houston remarked on the significance of the poppy, stating, "We have courts and a democracy because of the courage of those who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of, and in defense of, the very rights and freedoms we enjoy."

He criticized the judges' stance, saying, "While I respect the independence of the judiciary, I respect veterans, the very people who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country, our values, and our democracy, more."

Houston announced his intention to introduce The Nova Scotia Remembrance Observance Act if necessary, which would guarantee the right to wear a poppy in the workplace from November 1 to November 11. His comments had garnered significant attention, with over 177,000 views by Friday morning.

Former federal justice minister Peter MacKay also weighed in, expressing outrage over the judges' actions. He referenced a previous incident involving a Nova Scotia school that had asked veterans not to wear their uniforms during a Remembrance Day ceremony, which was later reversed after public backlash.

The situation continues to unfold as discussions about the right to wear poppies in public spaces, particularly in courtrooms, gain traction in Nova Scotia.