A controversial policy that banned Whole Foods staff from wearing poppies this month has now taken a backseat to Canada's remembrance of its fallen soldiers.
Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay said he has spoken with the U.S.-based company's chief operating officer and it has conceded to allow its employees to wear the commemorative red flower.
"Our new unified dress code policy is intended to create consistency and ensure operational safety across all of our stores. Our intention was never to single out the poppy or to suggest a lack of support for Remembrance Day and the heroes who have bravely served their country,” the company responded.
“We appreciate the thoughtful feedback we have received from our customers. Given the learnings of today, we are welcoming team members to wear the poppy pin in honour of Remembrance Day.”
Photo from Royal Canadian LegionCanadian politicians fight for poppy-wearing
Criticism for the recently-enacted policy reached as high as the House of Commons Friday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the move a "silly mistake that I hope they will correct quickly.”
MacAulay issued a tweet shortly before 3 p.m. with the announcement that Whole Foods employees can now observe the age-old tradition.
My statement on poppies at @WholeFoods: pic.twitter.com/oU2ATvSnto
— Lawrence MacAulay (@L_MacAulay) November 6, 2020
"The poppy represents those who've served, fought, and died for Canada, and it's deeply personal to everyone here," he added.
Earlier in the day, MacAulay called the policy "absolutely unacceptable."
MPs adopted a motion “to condemn Whole Foods and its owner Jeff Bezos for banning its employees from wearing poppies on their uniform."
They also unanimously invited John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods, to appear before the House of Commons veterans affairs committee in the next week or so.
