News and Announcements

EDMONTON – The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta will host the Alberta-NWT Command of the Royal Canadian Legion on Wednesday, October 21, as they present the first poppy to Her Honour the Honourable Salma Lakhani, AOE, BSc, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, officially beginning the annual Poppy Campaign in the province. 

“It is our honour and responsibility to recognize the immeasurable sacrifices that servicemen and servicewomen in the Canadian Armed Forces make in the line of duty,” said the Honourable Nathan Cooper, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. “We wear the poppy near our hearts to demonstrate gratitude, respect and support for the courageous ones who are committed to protecting the freedom of so many.”

The first poppy presentation will be hosted by the Honourable Nathan Cooper in the Alberta Legislature rotunda on Wednesday, October 21, at 11 a.m. Remarks will be delivered by: 

• Her Honour the Honourable Salma Lakhani, AOE, BSc, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta
• Honourable Nathan Cooper, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
• Brad Rutherford, Liaison to the Canadian Armed Forces, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont, on behalf of the Premier 
• Nicole Goehring, MLA for Edmonton-Castle Downs, on behalf of the Leader of the Official Opposition  
• Colonel J.A. MacKeen, MSM, CD, Chief of Staff, 3rd Canadian Division
• Comrade John Mahon, CD, President of Alberta-NWT Command of the Royal Canadian Legion

The event will be streamed on assembly.ab.ca and the Legislative Assembly’s Twitter, Facebook and YouTube channels. Albertans are invited to watch the live broadcast. Media are encouraged to access the feed or to request a download link following the event if necessary. In light of current public health recommendations in-person attendance will be restricted. 

The Royal Canadian Legion’s annual Poppy Campaign takes place from the last Friday in October until November 11, Remembrance Day. Proceeds from the campaign are used to provide direct assistance to Canada’s veterans in need. Please visit www.legion.ca.

Media Inquiries:
Tracey Sales, Communications Consultant
Legislative Assembly of Alberta
Mobile: 780.862.6446
E-mail: tracey.sales@assembly.ab.ca