Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

User AvatarBuild your avatar
Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

Whole Foods Has Changed Course & Will Let Canadian Employees Wear Poppies

The announcement was made by the minister of veteran affairs.
Whole Foods Has Changed Course & Will Let Canadian Employees Wear Poppies
Jonathan Weiss | Dreamstime Oasisamuel | Dreamstime
Contributor

It was a tumultuous day after news broke that a Whole Foods poppy ban in Canada would not allow employees to wear the Remembrance Day symbol, but now the company has reversed its decision. 

Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs Lawrence MacAulay made the announcement in a November 6 tweet.

In it, he issued a statement saying he spoke to the company's chief operating officer and that employees could now wear poppies on their uniforms.

Editor's Choice: Starbucks Canada Holiday Cup Giveaway Is Happening For 1 Day Only

"The poppy represents those who've served, fought, and died for Canada, and it's deeply personal to everyone here," MacAulay said, "glad to hear they're changing course."

Whole Foods, which has 14 locations across Canada, originally said that wearing a poppy would be against the rules.

"With the exception of those items required by law, our dress code policy prohibits any additions to our standard uniform," a spokesperson told Narcity.

The ban on poppies prompted strong reactions from Canadian politicians, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford calling the decision, "disgusting and disgraceful."

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh also disagreed with the company, saying, "Canadians shouldn't lose the right to honour the sacrifices of veterans when they go to work."

CanadaNews
  • Colin Leggett
    Colin Leggett was a Contributing Editor with Narcity Canada. He wrote on the national news team for over a year and contributed to coverage of the 2019 Canadian Federal Election, as well as the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Colin has a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Cultural Theory from McMaster University, as well as a graduate certificate in Television Writing and Producing from Humber College. He is an avid consumer of politics and pop culture, having written about everything from food to television to Canada-U.S. relations.

Here's what's open and closed in Toronto for Remembrance Day 2025

Everything you need to know about how Toronto observes Remembrance Day. 👇

Here's what's open and closed in Ottawa for Remembrance Day 2025

Remembrance Day may not be a holiday for all, but Ottawa has special rules that could still disrupt your plans.

The best grocery stores in Canada were revealed and a discount chain is the top choice

What do Canadians think of big chains like Costco, Walmart and Loblaws?

Here's when Canadians say it's 'acceptable' to decorate for Christmas and it may surprise you

Is October too early? 👀

Here's the maximum income you can earn without having to pay taxes across Canada in 2026

Your tax-free income limit is about to go up. 📈

Ontario drivers could be fined up to $2,500 for missing this little-known licence plate rule

This rule could cost you way more than a plate sticker ever did. 😬

Canada is increasing a bunch of benefits soon — Here's how much more you can get in 2026

Income thresholds are rising too! 👀 💸

Statistics Canada is hiring for over 800 census jobs that pay up to $31/h — no degree needed

You must know how to use a computer.

This small town 1 hour from Toronto has starred in dozens of films and magical Christmas movies

This charming Christmas town has real movie-set magic.

Toronto drivers can be fined $615 for breaking this rule and the city is cracking down

Police have fined over 8,600 divers in the last six weeks. 😳

Southern Ontario's weather forecast calls for a snow parade with up to 30 cm this week

Even Toronto is set to see some snow accumulation!

These Ontario grocery stores were ranked as the 'cheapest' and No Frills has competition

Someone said "Walmart is unbeatable" but it didn't even make the top three!

This cheap flight from Toronto takes you to a white sand beach oasis for $400 round-trip

You can trade the snow for sunshine.

This is your last chance to get money from a $500M Loblaw class action with no receipt

Here's what you need to know about submitting a claim.