- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 260
source:The Toronto Sun
Fri, November 5, 2004
Veterans run into the Bloc
MP REFUSES TO PROVIDE FLAG TO LEGION FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY
By KATHLEEN HARRIS, OTTAWA BUREAU
A SEPARATIST MP has caused a national flap by refusing to provide a Canadian flag to a Quebec veterans group for Remembrance Day ceremonies. John Hill, vice-president of the Royal Canadian Legion in Richmond, Que., was outraged when he was denied a flag by Bloc Quebecois MP Andre Bellavance. A constituency office staffer explained that handing out the Maple Leaf -- even to war veterans -- goes against the party's goal of sovereignty.
"Our veterans here feel slighted and offended. They went overseas, fighting under a Canadian flag for freedom and democracy, and they feel like they've been dishonoured," Hill said.
"He's my MP and he doesn't just represent the sovereigntists. I'm a Canadian and he's a federal MP," Hill said.
PARTY POLICY
Hill said last night he had received a call from Conservative Leader Stephen Harper's office telling him the branch would be getting 10 flags in time for their ceremony.
Bellavance was unapologetic.
"As a Bloc Quebecois MP, I don't feel the obligation to distribute Canadian flags," he told Sun Media.
Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe also defended the protocol, insisting it's not his party's policy to "open a shop" to distribute Canadian flags. Constituents can obtain flags by calling the federal heritage department or going through the whip's office, he suggested.
But Duceppe couldn't guarantee the veterans would receive flags in time for the Remembrance Day tribute. In the past, he said Liberals have used the Maple Leaf as a tool to embarrass the Bloc.
"We were elected as sovereigntists with a legitimate mandate. People know that," he said.
"If they want to play with the flag, well I'll let them play with the flag. It's not a big problem for me."
Veterans Affairs Minister Albina Guarnieri called the refusal to hand out the flag a "disgraceful" show of "utmost disrespect" for veterans.
"When the country called for Canadians to go overseas and serve their country, they didn't hesitate," she fumed. "Members of Parliament who are elected to come and represent their ridings in Ottawa should most definitely service their legions when they ask for a flag."
'TERRIBLE INSULT'
Cliff Chadderton, chairman of the National Council of Veteran Associations, criticized the Bloc for politicizing Remembrance Day.
"It's a terrible insult to all the Canadians who fought for this country -- including Quebecers," he said.
Fri, November 5, 2004
Veterans run into the Bloc
MP REFUSES TO PROVIDE FLAG TO LEGION FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY
By KATHLEEN HARRIS, OTTAWA BUREAU
A SEPARATIST MP has caused a national flap by refusing to provide a Canadian flag to a Quebec veterans group for Remembrance Day ceremonies. John Hill, vice-president of the Royal Canadian Legion in Richmond, Que., was outraged when he was denied a flag by Bloc Quebecois MP Andre Bellavance. A constituency office staffer explained that handing out the Maple Leaf -- even to war veterans -- goes against the party's goal of sovereignty.
"Our veterans here feel slighted and offended. They went overseas, fighting under a Canadian flag for freedom and democracy, and they feel like they've been dishonoured," Hill said.
"He's my MP and he doesn't just represent the sovereigntists. I'm a Canadian and he's a federal MP," Hill said.
PARTY POLICY
Hill said last night he had received a call from Conservative Leader Stephen Harper's office telling him the branch would be getting 10 flags in time for their ceremony.
Bellavance was unapologetic.
"As a Bloc Quebecois MP, I don't feel the obligation to distribute Canadian flags," he told Sun Media.
Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe also defended the protocol, insisting it's not his party's policy to "open a shop" to distribute Canadian flags. Constituents can obtain flags by calling the federal heritage department or going through the whip's office, he suggested.
But Duceppe couldn't guarantee the veterans would receive flags in time for the Remembrance Day tribute. In the past, he said Liberals have used the Maple Leaf as a tool to embarrass the Bloc.
"We were elected as sovereigntists with a legitimate mandate. People know that," he said.
"If they want to play with the flag, well I'll let them play with the flag. It's not a big problem for me."
Veterans Affairs Minister Albina Guarnieri called the refusal to hand out the flag a "disgraceful" show of "utmost disrespect" for veterans.
"When the country called for Canadians to go overseas and serve their country, they didn't hesitate," she fumed. "Members of Parliament who are elected to come and represent their ridings in Ottawa should most definitely service their legions when they ask for a flag."
'TERRIBLE INSULT'
Cliff Chadderton, chairman of the National Council of Veteran Associations, criticized the Bloc for politicizing Remembrance Day.
"It's a terrible insult to all the Canadians who fought for this country -- including Quebecers," he said.
