In a time when Canadians don poppies to pay respect to veterans leading up to Remembrance Day, Whole Foods employees have been banned from doing so.
A uniform policy update that went into effect Nov. 2 prohibits employees of the U.S.-based grocery chain – in 14 locations across Canada – from wearing the symbol of remembrance during a particularly tumultuous time for legions across the country.
In Vancouver, with the inclusion of a Burnaby store, six Whole Foods locations are owned and operated by American tech conglomerate, Amazon.
Canadians wear poppies as an act of Remembrance. We wear them to honour the sacrifices made by our Veterans for our freedoms and values. All Canadians should be able to wear the poppy, no matter where they work. https://t.co/daBJBAeKu1
— Harjit Sajjan (@HarjitSajjan) November 6, 2020
New uniform policy 'absolutely unacceptable’
It’s a move that’s upset citizens around the country, including Canada’s Ministers of Veteran Affairs and National Defence who have come forward to vocalize their disapproval.
Veteran Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay called the new policy “absolutely unacceptable” in how it prohibits employees from paying their respects to veterans.
“We wear them to honour the sacrifices made by our veterans for our freedoms and values. All Canadians should be able to wear the poppy, no matter where they work,” National Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan chimed in.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said, “it was wrong when they banned staff expressing support for Black Lives Matter and it’s wrong to ban the poppy.”
“Canadians shouldn't lose the right to honour the sacrifices of veterans when they go to work,” the Burnaby resident added.
Vancouver Granville MP Jody Wilson-Raybould called the change “outrageous."
Photo from Royal Canadian LegionCompany cites ‘dress code’ as a cause against poppies
On Friday, the company issued a statement in response to the resulting controversy:
“Whole Foods Market honours the men and women who have and continue to bravely serve their country. We support Remembrance Day in all of our Canadian stores by observing a moment of silence on November 11 and by donating to the Legion’s poppy campaign,” said a company spokesperson.
“With the exception of those items required by law, our dress code policy prohibits any additions to our standard uniform.”
The Whole Foods uniform currently consists of an apron, coat or vest, hat, and name badge.
