Nova Scotia premier slams poppy ban in courtrooms

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston condemned reports of a poppy ban in courtrooms, calling it “disgraceful.”

sarah

Nov 7, 2025 - 23:41

Nova Scotia premier slams poppy ban in courtrooms

Premier Tim Houston said in a statement Thursday night, "I have learned that an order was issued earlier this week prohibiting people working in some court facilities from wearing poppies while on duty." "This order was issued under the guise that a poppy is somehow a 'political statement'."

Houston called the move "disgraceful."

However, in a statement to CityNews Halifax, the Nova Scotia Judiciary said no new directive has been issued on the matter, and any deviation from standard court attire, namely black robes, is at the discretion of the judge.

Andrew Preeper, communications director for the Judiciary, said, "Employees who wish to wear a poppy in the courtroom are advised to speak with the presiding judge and, where necessary, a discussion has taken place on that specific matter. This is at the discretion of the presiding judge." He also noted that members of the public are also permitted to wear poppies in courthouses and courtrooms.

A statement from the court said, "To ensure the fair administration of justice, the court must at all times be and appear to be impartial, especially within the courtroom." It further stated, "Every person appearing before the court must feel that their case will be heard fairly and without bias. Therefore, all judges and staff are expected to refrain from wearing any symbols of support in the courtroom." According to the Canadian Judicial Council's ethical principles for judges, "Wearing or displaying symbols of support, even if they appear innocuous may be perceived as a lack of impartiality or as using the judicial office to make a political or other statement. For these reasons, judges should refrain from making statements or displaying visible symbols of support, particularly in the context of court proceedings."

In his statement, the Premier said he "stands firmly with anyone who wishes to wear a poppy in the workplace."

Houston wrote, "Because of the actions of these judges, if necessary, I will introduce a Nova Scotia Remembrance Act that will enshrine the right to wear a poppy in the workplace from November 1st to November 11th."