The chief justices of Nova Scotia’s Supreme Court and Provincial Court are defending the decision not to allow staff to wear poppies in some courtrooms ahead of Remembrance Day , saying the topic is “very sensitive” and “deserves an explanation.”

In a statement on Sunday, Chief Justice Deborah K. Smith and Provincial Court of Nova Scotia Chief Judge Perry Borden said there can be “no signs of favouritism” during court proceedings.

“Judges have an obligation to conduct all court proceedings in an impartial and unbiased manner,” the judges wrote. “There can be no signs of favouritism towards any of the litigants.”

The judges went on to cite the Canadian Judicial Council’s Ethical Principles for Judges, which notes that while judges may wish to signal support for causes or viewpoints t

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