Bill 139, passed in the provincial legislature yesterday guaranteeing provincial regulated workers the right to wear a Canadian Legion recognized poppy in the workplace from November 1 to November 11. The caveat is that it can’t pose a danger to health, safety or welfare of the worker or others.
“Our veterans, current and past have fought for our freedom and peace in Canada,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don McMorris said. “Providing the right for workers to wear a poppy while in the workplace is a way to honour the sacrifice veterans and their families have made.”
The legislation aligns with the Royal Canadian Legion’s remembrance period and would include Indigenous Veteran’s Day which is November 8, of each year.
Federally regulated entities such as banks, telecommunications and interprovincial transportation are not covered under this legislation.
Ontario and Manitoba are other provinces that have enacted legislation to provide workers with the right to wear a poppy in the workplace.