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An NDP candidate who refused to wear a poppy because it’s “war glorification” should do some research before she goes shooting off her mouth, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 606 President Myrna Picotte says.

“I thought it was disgusting,” Picotte said Tuesday.

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“The legion and the poppy doesn’t glorify war. It’s in memory of the people who gave their lives for our freedom. That’s what it’s all about.”

Mississauga Centre candidate Laura Kaminker has been criticized for posting online that she doesn’t wear the “fake poppy,” describing the annual symbol of Remembrance Day as “collective brainwashing” and “war glorification.”

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath did not rebuke her candidate, saying instead that “many people have many diverse opinions and we value free speech.”

People should remember that the funds raised by the sale of poppies support the veterans, many of them now elderly, who ensured there is free speech in this country, Picotte said.

“It’s to remember the people that stepped up to the plate and gave us our freedom,” she said. “My husband is a Korean War veteran and I’m proud of him. I’ll wear a poppy for him anytime.”

Kaminker is entitled to her opinion, but it’s unlikely that the majority of residents in her riding would agree that the poppy is nothing more than landfill, she said.

Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford also weighed in on the NDP comments, saying Kaminker had slandered the country’s veterans with her comments.

aartuso@postmedia.com