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The judges gave an example of a non-veteran charged with assault of a veteran walking into a courtroom where staff are wearing poppies, suggesting it could make the accused doubt the neutrality of the process.

"The poppy is a powerful symbol of remembrance for all who have served and sacrificed on behalf of Canada, and something that I wear with pride," McKnight wrote in a statement. 

"As the directive originates from the judiciary, we respect their independence and cannot comment further."

The decision from Nova Scotia's benches has sparked criticism from federal politicians. Conservative MP Frank Caputo, the party's justice critic, worked as a Crown prosecutor in Kamloops, B.C., before entering politics.

"I wore my poppy — always — including in Supreme Court when gowned. I saw a judge or two wear one," Caputo posted on social media.

"We have freedom to be governed by the rule of law rather than a tyrannical state because people shed blood for our country. We should never forget this. Including in the courtroom."

Fellow Conservative MP Aaron Gunn posted on social media that the poppy is not a political symbol, and called the decision "another ridiculous and dumb ruling by a ºÃÉ«tv judge."

"The poppy is a symbol of remembrance and respect for those who served, sacrificed and continue to represent Canada in uniform today," Gunn wrote.

"It transcends politics, partisanship and ideology – and it has done so for over 100 years."

This report by ºÃÉ«tvwas first published Nov. 10, 2025.

— With files from Emily Baron Cadloff in Halifax