Sale of poppies banned at library
Dave Ryan defends the decision “it’s a matter of principle”

Toronto Sun
Oct.20/01


by Laura Bobak - Toronto Sun

Veterans and politicians are up in arms over a decision that has effectively banned the sale of poppies on library property in Pickering.

This week, the Pickering library board overturned a policy under which poppy sales were the only fund-raising campaign allowed on library property. The board argued it was unfair to other charities.

Doug Haigh, 78, a veteran of World War II who was wounded in Normandy in 1944, called the decision "ludicrous."

"War going on"

"I can't believe this would be happening at this particular time. We have a war going on," Haigh said.

Councillor Dave Ryan defended the decision, arguing it's a matter of principle.

"The principle is you open it up to all or none," Ryan said.

But there is a movement to fight the decision, led by Councillor Mark Holland, who plans to bring a motion to Pickering council on Nov.5, which would allow poppy sales on all municipal property, including libraries.

"It's outrageous. Public libraries owe their existence to veterans," Holland said.