SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Always in Vogue

Honourable senators, today I am pleased to present Chapter 96 of “Telling Our Story.”

The oldest street in North America is located in downtown St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. There on Water Street, you will find a family-owned business known for their remarkable quality, style and attention to detail.

The business Always in Vogue was launched in Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, in 1962 by Bernie Halloran and his wife, Cindy.

In 1983, they moved to their Water Street location in St. John’s. Throughout the years, the store has become a staple in the Newfoundland and Labrador business community and has grown to become a world-renowned Canadian-based company specializing in top-quality fur products. All their seal products are made in-house and are then sold throughout the world. The visually appealing layout of the store is combined with friendly and helpful staff, unique product range and a warm and inviting atmosphere that keeps customers returning.

In September 2023, while conducting a study on the sealing industry in Canada, the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans had the opportunity to travel to Newfoundland and Labrador, and we scheduled a visit to Always in Vogue.

We learned of the challenges of operating such a business in the propaganda-filled world we live in today, but, more importantly, we witnessed first-hand the quality of the fur products produced at the store and the passion and dedication of the owner and staff.

Bernie Halloran was an incredible human being and a very close, personal friend. In our many discussions, he educated me on all the aspects of the sealing industry, and while he talked about its challenges, he always emphasized the enormous opportunities that he could visualize. Bernie was known to be extremely kind and compassionate when dealing with others, but fierce and unwavering when it came to promoting, supporting and defending the sealing industry. Sadly, Bernie lost his battle with cancer in January 2023.

Fortunately, the business is now in the hands of his son Darren who, as they say in Newfoundland and Labrador, is “a chip off the old block.” Just like his father before him, Darren is a strong and vocal advocate for the sealing industry.

As a community-minded individual, Darren decided a few years ago to give back through his own initiative: the Always in Vogue poppy campaign. Each year, the staff produces 1,000 seal fur poppies, just like the one I am wearing here today. The poppies are then sold for $20 each, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Royal Canadian Legion’s poppy fund. The seal fur poppies sell out extremely fast, and the demand has been — and continues to be — very high.

With this year’s sales, Darren and his team at Always in Vogue will have raised and donated $120,000 to the poppy fund. What an incredible accomplishment.

For Darren’s efforts in advocating for the sealing industry and for his initiative in fundraising for the Royal Canadian Legion’s poppy fund, it was my honour last year to present Darren with the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Always in Vogue is a great business success story, and now it is building a legacy in making sure:

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

I ask you to join with me today in congratulating Darren and all those at Always in Vogue for an incredible example of giving back to their community and continuing to do their part in keeping the memory alive of those who fought and died for our peace and freedom.

Thank you.