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In a statement Thursday evening, NDP spokesman Andrew Schwab said that Horwath has “a profound respect for women and men that have served in Canada’s armed forces, and a deep gratitude for the sacrifices those soldiers have made to serve the country” and that she’s proud to wear a poppy.

“She also recognizes that the people who have served the country have done so to protect Canadians’ freedom of speech, and while she doesn’t support the comments made by the candidate in Mississauga Centre, she recognizes her right to say it,” added Schwab.

What she has not done is called out Kaminker for her fringe, insulting views that she is entitled to have, but others are entitled to call out.

That said, there are people who feel working a smartphone during the service is also not appropriate and rude.

“That lady should not be on her phone,” said Scott Smith, the 17-year-old who wore his poppy to school Wednesday in a quiet protest.

“My dad always turns off his phone during a Remembrance Day ceremony. To show respect.”

It’s good advice. Not just for the NDP leader who could, next month, be Ontario’s premier but for everybody.

Maybe out of all of this, what will happen is there will be more effort to take seriously the remembrance of our fallen and to those all of those who volunteered to fight for the freedoms we so enjoy.

jwarmington@postmedia.com