A Bradford councillor candidate and veteran asked to remove the poppy from his campaign signs says there should be a symbol to recognize the contribution of former Canadian military members.
Nickolas Harper, the Ward 6 candidate for Bradford West Gwillimbury, said he received a formal request from the national Royal Canadian Legion to remove the poppy from his election signs after someone filed a formal complaint.
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“I’m a veteran … people can have rights of expression,” Harper said Thursday. “What do veterans use then to express that they’re veterans?”
The candidate said he has paid to print stickers that will go over the poppy images on his signs, but he believes it’s time to take another look at the 1948 trademark held by the Legion and whether it should be more freely used by veterans.
“Putting a sticker on a sign over a poppy is probably going to be one of the easiest battles I’ve ever had to face,” he said, when asked about his feelings in covering up the poppy. “I’m okay, it’s better than being blown up by a suicide bomber.”
Harper’s online biography notes that he was an army infantryman with the Canadian Forces beginning on Sept. 11, 2001, and did two tours of combat in Afghanistan.
In a statement, the Legion said it does not get involved in political campaigns.
“However, this was an inappropriate use of the poppy image. We are pleased that this political candidate has plans to rectify the situation,” the statement said. “The Legion was given the responsibility of safeguarding the poppy image. Our role is to ensure its respectful use and that it not become politicized or used inappropriately such as for profit or individual gain.”
aartuso@postmedia.com
