CTV News Staff
Date: Tue. Oct. 23 2001 3:29 PM ET
An emergency meeting was held in a community east of Toronto, where a ban over the distributing of poppies at local libraries has grown into a huge controversy.
With November approaching, veterans with the Royal Canadian Legion are preparing to once again distribute plastic poppies in return for donations across the country. Funds collected go to charities -- not just for veterans, but also to Meals on Wheels and other services for the aged or disabled.
Last week, the Pickering Library board approved a ban on the distributing of Remembrance Day poppies on library property. Ban supporters argued that allowing only war veterans with poppies near local librairies wouldn't be fair, since all other charities have been told they cannot solicit on board property.
The decision has townsfolk infuriated. When Pickering city council met Monday, Coun. Mark Holland filed a motion asking the library board to reconsider that ban in light of the huge outcry.
"Members of council are getting swamped with calls from veterans and citizens who are stunned and offended by the decision," said Holland.
Holland is against the poppy sale ban, calling it just plain wrong. He points out that public facilities owe their existence to veterans. Many councillors and war vets agree.
"Poppies are a way of remembering and paying respect. People can't believe something that is a tradition has been outlawed by a library board," said regional Councillor Maurice Brenner, the acting mayor.
The Royal Canadian Legion says the ban will ultimately hurt veterans, who depend on the money raised from the poppy donations to supplement their pensions and care for their families.
The controversy has already seen the resignation of the head of the Pickering Library board, Jill Foster, who called the decision "crazy."
"I tendered my resignation with great regret," Foster told the Toronto Sun. "I'm in an impossible situation. I told them it was a crazy decision and it offends my sense of values as a Canadian," she said.
The library board says it will re-consider the matter in light of the city council's request, during its meeting this Wednesday.
**Acting Mayor Maurice Brenner Calls Emergency Meeting of Council to Overturn Ban on Poppy supported by Dave Ryan Councillor and member of Library Board
|
