RIDEAU HALL, OTTAWA | OCTOBER 21, 2026: The Royal Canadian Legion marked an important national tradition on October 21, 2026, with the ceremonial presentation of the First Poppy of the 2026 National Poppy Campaign to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

The presentation was made by Sharon McKeown, Dominion President of the Royal Canadian Legion, during a ceremony at Rideau Hall attended by distinguished guests and representatives of Canada's veteran and remembrance communities.

Representatives of the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP) were honoured to attend this meaningful occasion, reaffirming their longstanding commitment to remembrance and recognition of the service and sacrifice of Canada's veterans, including those of the Royal Canadian Navy, Merchant Navy, and Canadian Armed Forces.



The ceremony serves as an important reminder of our collective responsibility to preserve the legacy of those who served while supporting today's veterans and their families.

The MNCTP extends its appreciation to the Royal Canadian Legion for its continued national leadership in remembrance and veteran support.

Source: Royal Canadian Legion — Ceremonial First Poppy Presented to Governor General of Canada, October 21, 2026