CBC has removed a CBC Kids News video about Remembrance Day poppies after criticism focused on its discussion of white, black, purple and rainbow versions of the traditional red symbol.
The video, titled “Why do people wear a poppy on Remembrance Day?”, was published on YouTube on November 8, 2021, according to the video’s listing.
A CBC spokesperson confirmed that the video had been taken down after questions were raised about whether the broadcaster stood by its content.
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What the CBC video said
The children’s explainer described the history of the poppy, the meaning of Remembrance Day and the Royal Canadian Legion’s poppy campaign.
It also addressed disputes over the use and colour of the symbol, saying that some people believe the red poppy places too much emphasis on soldiers and may be seen as glorifying war.
The segment then outlined alternative poppy colours associated with different causes, including white poppies for peace and civilian victims, purple poppies connected with animals affected by war, black poppies associated with racialized communities and a rainbow poppy linked to LGBTQ contributions to wartime efforts.
The video also acknowledged that the Legion disagrees with the use of multiple coloured poppies as alternatives to its traditional symbol.
CBC removes the video
The video resurfaced publicly in the days before Remembrance Day 2026, prompting criticism from people who argued that a children’s program should give greater prominence to the red poppy and the military sacrifice it represents.
The CBC’s removal of the video represents a material change from its earlier decision to leave the 2021 explainer available through its Kids News platform.
The broadcaster has not publicly released a detailed explanation for the removal in the information available for this report.
That leaves unresolved whether the video was removed because of its age, editorial concerns, the renewed criticism surrounding its content or a combination of those factors.
What the Legion says about coloured poppies
The Royal Canadian Legion says the red poppy is the traditional symbol of Remembrance and is intended to encompass all conflicts, races, genders and backgrounds.
The Legion says it does not see a need for multiple coloured poppies and believes they can disrespect the original meaning of the symbol, according to its questions and answers.
The organization encourages groups that want to recognize specific people, causes or beings connected with war and remembrance to choose symbols other than coloured versions of the poppy.
The Legion’s position also reflects its role in protecting the poppy as a national remembrance symbol and as the emblem of its annual fundraising campaign for veterans and their families.
Why the red poppy remains central in Canada
The red poppy became associated with remembrance after Canadian military physician and poet Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae wrote “In Flanders Fields” during the First World War, as described in the Legion’s history of the poppy.
The Legion says the Canadian poppy campaign was adopted in 1921 and that millions of Canadians wear the red flower during the Remembrance period.
Funds raised through the campaign support programs for veterans, their families and communities.
The organization also says the red poppy is intended to recognize the fallen broadly, rather than representing only one race, gender, conflict or category of service.
What happens next
The immediate question is whether CBC will provide a fuller explanation for removing the video or publish revised educational material about Remembrance Day.
Any replacement content would likely need to balance the history of the red poppy, the Legion’s trademark and fundraising role, the experiences of veterans and the existence of alternative remembrance symbols.
For Canadians observing Remembrance Day on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the controversy does not change the official status of the Legion’s red poppy as the country’s traditional remembrance symbol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did CBC remove the poppy video?
CBC confirmed that the video had been taken down after questions were raised about its discussion of coloured poppies, but it has not publicly provided a detailed explanation for the decision.
When was the CBC Kids News poppy video originally published?
The video was published on YouTube on November 8, 2021.
What does the Royal Canadian Legion say about coloured poppies?
The Legion recognizes the red poppy as the traditional symbol of Remembrance and says it does not see a need for multiple coloured poppies.
What does the red poppy represent in Canada?
The red poppy is Canada’s traditional symbol of Remembrance and is used to honour those who served and sacrificed, while supporting the Legion’s veteran-focused fundraising campaign.
When is Remembrance Day in 2026?
Remembrance Day is Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, the video’s removal, the video’s published content and the Royal Canadian Legion’s position were checked against the available CBC video listing and official Legion information.
Disclaimer: CBC has not publicly released a detailed explanation for the removal in the sources reviewed for this report.