There's good news for the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 43, as it launches its Remembrance Day Poppy Campaign today.
Federal finance Minister Jim Flaherty is cutting the Royal Canadian Legion a tax break on the Canadian symbol of remembrance
The veterans' group will get a full GST refund on purchases of poppies and wreaths, Flaherty said Thursday. In B.C., as in Ontario, it's expected the GST portion of the HST will be refunded.
Saying the move will help legions throughout the nation, Flaherty reflected that "poppies and wreaths hold a special status to all Canadians as symbols of the contribution, courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Canadian armed forces."
In Prince George, the legion will distribute about 60,000 poppies, said campaign chair, Ed Parent.
"We won't pay the poppy bill until December, and we'll know for sure then about the tax."
From now until Nov. 11 poppy distribution will happen at many sites being manned throughout the city by about 40 volunteers.
On the weekends of Oct. 29, 30 and Nov. 5, 6 military cadets will be at most malls and large stores in the city.
There's still time to order wreaths for laying at the cenotaph on Nov. 11, Remembrance Day. Call the legion at 250-562-1292.
Wreaths can be delivered to purchasers who can place them at the cenotaph or have them placed on their behalf.
