Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is condemning a recent order from two judges that restricts court staff from wearing poppies while on duty. The controversy arose after reports indicated that Judge Ronda van der Hoek and Justice Jean Dewolfe required staff to seek permission to wear poppies in their courtrooms. Houston expressed his outrage 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."

The issue gained attention when Frank Magazine reported that staff at the Kentville Justice Centre were told to remove poppies before entering the courtroom. A spokesperson for the Nova Scotia courts clarified that there was no formal ban on poppies. Andrew Preeper 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."

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, saying, "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 symbols that could be perceived as political or biased. Preeper noted that this policy is not unique to Nova Scotia, as courts across Canada uphold similar standards.

Houston, however, disagrees with the judges' stance. He highlighted the historical significance of the poppy, which has been worn in Canada since 1921, and stated, "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 announced plans to introduce the Nova Scotia Remembrance Observance Act, which would guarantee the right to wear a poppy in the workplace from November 1 to November 11. Houston's comments have garnered significant attention, with over 177,000 views on social media by Friday morning.

The issue of wearing poppies in court is not isolated to Nova Scotia. In Saskatoon, a veteran prosecutor, Lana Morelli, reported being told she could not wear a poppy on her gown due to a court directive. Morelli expressed her frustration, stating, "We have freedom of speech because of what these brave men and women have done for our country."

A spokesperson for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice confirmed that there is a directive regarding courtroom attire but did not classify the poppy as a political statement. The Saskatchewan Remembrance Observance Act allows employees to wear a poppy recognized by the Royal Canadian Legion unless it poses a safety risk. The ministry is working with the judiciary to clarify the rules surrounding this matter going forward.