Target asks veterans to sell poppies outside stores

Police make an arrest in the theft of Remembrance Day poppy donation boxes in Toronto.

When Target first opened its doors to Canadians, the company received a warm reception. But that warm welcome seems to be cooling down after the retail giant told veterans they would have to sell poppies outside.

Dominion Command, the Royal Canadian Legion’s governing body, and the overseers for the Remembrance Day poppy campaign met with Target officials and made a joint decision.

“We agreed that outside the front doors would be ideal and obviously if the weather is inclement or they prefer they are welcome to stand inside the double doors as well,” said company spokesperson Lisa Gibson in a statement.

Dominion Command confirmed the decision in an email, but volunteer Bobby Bouchie isn’t happy about it, saying he feels “insulted.”

“The poppy represents our veterans. To say that we were not allowed to sell inside their stores is trying to say that we’re not worthy,” he says.

He says he feels a break in unity with the U.S. company but will continue to volunteer. He also says the cold won’t stop him from selling poppies.

NDP Veterans affairs critic Peter Stoffer is among those who are unhappy with the news.

“It doesn’t matter where you are in Canada, it’s cold, and the reality is it’s a bonus to Target to let these veterans into their stores, set up their tables and sell the poppies as they’ve always done,” says the Nova Scotia NDP MP.

“I would encourage Target to allow them to come into the store at all times.”

When Stoffer called the company, he was told Dominion Command and Target were going to have another discussion on the matter.

But shoppers are expressing disappointment and confusion over the original decision.

“It’s not right. Veterans warrant respect and admiration and I really can’t grasp the reasoning why they would keep them out,” says shopper Teresa Moore.

“I think it’s disrespectful, myself,” says shopper Linda Hilchie. “My dad’s a veteran and I know there’s a lot of them that are in their 80s that sit at those tables and it’s just not a good place for them to be. They need to be inside.”

With files from CTV Atlantic's Matt Woodman