A Victoria committee motion to seek federal funding for the city’s annual Remembrance Day event led to public backlash and now a B.C.-based company is offering to cover the costs.
On Thursday, London Drugs said it wants to cover the costs of the events for “at least the next few years.”
“We have seen the concern about the Remembrance Day event potentially being cancelled or changed in some way, and we have seen and heard our veteran’s concerns,” Clint Mahlman, London Drugs’ president and COO, said in a statement.
“We want to ensure that we remove the worry from the community so that this important event continues and can be planned for.”
London Drugs’ release said the company looks forward to the opportunity to meet with the appropriate members at Victoria City Council and the Victoria Police Department to discuss the full scope of what is needed to ensure the Remembrance Day commemorations can proceed into the future.
“We don’t think for our veteran’s and current serving Canadian Armed Forces members, that they should have to worry about fighting for Remembrance and political lobbying,” Mahlman said.
“We should come together as a community to honour their personal and their families sacrifices.”
Coun. Ben Isitt’s proposal to seek federal compensation for policing military events was brought up during councillor discussions on June 6, the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Isitt said the timing of the discussion was unfortunate but happened due to a police request for $78,400 to help staff Canada Day. He also lashed out at media and “alt-right” groups for criticizing his position on funding Remembrance Day events.
The vote about whether to approach the Defence Department and Veteran’s Affairs to help with policing costs for Remembrance Day events is expected to occur during Thursday’s council meeting.
With files from The Canadian Press
CHEK News
