North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney rose on a point of order on November 6 to ask for unanimous consent to introduce the following motion:
“That this [House of Commons] condemn Whole Foods and its owner Jeff Bezos for banning its employees from wearing poppies on their uniform and demand that the policy be reversed immediately.”
According to a media release from Blaney, the grocery chain, a subsidiary of Amazon (owned by American multi-billionaire Jeff Bezos), sparked outrage when it was revealed that wearing a poppy in honour of Remembrance Day violated the company’s uniform policy and would not be allowed at any of the retail locations, including 14 in Canada.
“This is disheartening and disrespectful – to the employees, to veterans and their families, and to all Canadians,” stated Blaney, who is also the NDP critic for veterans affairs.
The release stated that all members participating in the hybrid sitting of the House of Commons did indeed grant unanimous consent to hear the motion, and subsequently passed it unanimously.
“Especially this year, when mass public gatherings for Remembrance Day will not occur, everyone should be allowed to wear a poppy for Remembrance Week,” stated Blaney. “Thanking those who sacrificed for the freedoms our country stands for isn’t controversial or political. The support from all parties for this motion is evidence of that.”
