QUEEN’S PARK – Today the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed a motion moved by Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford, to allow MPPs to have Remembrance Day Poppy donation boxes in their offices.
“Our veterans fought to protect our way of life, our freedom and our democracy,” said Hardeman. “I believe that having Poppy donation boxes in our constituency offices is a sign of respect and a way to honour their sacrifices.”
The Members Integrity Act has been interpreted to mean that Members are not allowed to have donation boxes, including those for Remembrance Day Poppies in their offices. Today’s motion ensures that Members are able to have the Poppy donation boxes.
“There are people who are willing to put their values and beliefs before their own safety,” said Hardeman in a statement before the motion. “We can never repay the debt that we owe these soldiers, but we should show them respect in every way that we can.”
Hardeman’s motion that was passed by the Legislature read:
“I move that, in order to recognize the sacrifices that our veterans made to preserve our freedom and democracy, Members of the Ontario Legislative Assembly are permitted to have Remembrance Day Poppy donation boxes in their offices.”
Last week Hardeman had introduced a bill entitled Respect for Veterans to address the problem with the Poppy boxes. In order to ensure that it was accomplished before Remembrance Day today he withdrew the Bill and instead brought forward the motion. It immediately passed with support of all three parties.
“Today we came together as a Legislature to show our respect for veterans and the sacrifices that they made,” said Hardeman. “I was proud to have the opportunity – in a small way – to honour all of those people who have put their lives at risk to ensure the safety of others and to preserve our freedom and democracy.”
Source: erniehardemanmpp