Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown is pleased to announce that the Conservative Government will provide a 100% rebate of any sales tax the Royal Canadian Legion pays when they buy their poppies and wreaths from private sector suppliers. 
 
"Our Government is pleased to provide this tax relief to support the Remembrance Day Poppy Campaign" said MP Brown. "Our action recognizes the special status of poppies and wreaths as symbols of the contribution, courage and sacrifices of those brave men and women who serve and have served in Canada's armed forces."
 
The change restores the tax relief that essentially existed for poppies and wreaths until the previous government removed it in 1996. With the proposed rebate, Remembrance Day poppies and wreaths will be fully free of any sales tax. 
 
"The 'poppy tax' meant that a portion of the donations Canadians made every year on Remembrance Day did not benefit the Legion and our Veterans" said MP Brown. "That was wrong, and I am glad our Government is restoring this tax relief and helping our Veterans in this small way.  The Legion's poppies and wreaths hold a special place in the hearts and minds of all Canadians as symbols of the contribution, courage and sacrifices of those who served in the Canadian forces."
  
The proposed rebate would be retroactive to January 1, 2010 to cover any sales tax on the current year's poppies and wreaths acquired by the Royal Canadian Legion.