OTTAWA, OCTOBER 20, 2025: Mr. Stéphane Ouellette, President and Chief Executive Officer, Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP), joined distinguished representatives of The Royal Canadian Legion, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans’ organizations, and honoured guests at Rideau Hall in Ottawa for the presentation of the Ceremonial First Poppy of the 2025 National Poppy Campaign on October 20, 2025. The event officially marked the beginning of Canada’s Remembrance period, a time dedicated to honouring the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our freedoms.

Hosted by The Royal Canadian Legion, the ceremony featured the presentation of the first poppy to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, by Legion Dominion President Berkley Lawrence. The presentation is a longstanding Legion tradition, and the poppy symbol itself is safeguarded by the Legion as a sacred emblem of remembrance.

The poppy stands as Canada’s most recognized emblem of remembrance—symbolizing courage, sacrifice, and the enduring gratitude of a nation to its veterans, military members, and their families.

The ceremony also reaffirmed the shared national commitment to preserving remembrance as a living tradition—uniting communities, generations, and organizations across Canada in reflection and respect.