VANCOUVER, British Columbia — On Saturday, Canadians celebrated the 60th anniversary of their national flag’s adoption with a strong display of patriotism, spurred in part by remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding tariffs and his suggestion that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state.
In Edmonton, Deborah Weismiller decided it was time to display the Canadian flag prominently in her window for the first time. “We share a passion for our country, and while we may typically express our patriotism quietly, recent events have motivated us to voice it proudly and distinctly,” stated Weismiller, 69, a retired journalist. “The notion of becoming a 51st state horrifies most Canadians, especially considering the current tumultuous state of affairs in the U.S.,” she added.
Many Canadians, feeling upset and betrayed by Trump’s comments, took to attaching flags to their cars or displaying them on their balconies. Bill Hawke, 83, who hadn’t flown his flag for several years, chose to do so this year, expressing that “it symbolizes the significance of our nation and its democratic values.”
According to Bradley Miller, an associate professor of history at the University of British Columbia, while Canadians typically reserve flag-waving for events like the Olympics, he noted that Trump’s statements have unified public sentiment across the nation. “When a leader casually speculates about us losing our sovereignty, it’s understandable that we would react with emotion, anger, and pride in our country,” Miller commented.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has been referred to as “governor” by Trump, issued a statement on Saturday encouraging Canadians to proudly display their flag, emphasizing, “Let’s keep writing Canada’s enduring story.” Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods, and 10% tariffs on Canada’s oil, natural gas, and electricity have been temporarily delayed for a month. He has also suggested that Canada “would be much better off” as the 51st state.
Heather Stone, the general manager at Flag Outlet in Coquitlam, B.C., noted a significant increase in flag purchases, with one customer even buying 75 flags. The most expensive one costs around 45 Canadian dollars, which is over 31 U.S. dollars. “The mood isn’t about hostility towards America. Instead, it’s a celebration of Canadian identity,” she remarked. Some individuals have even attached flags to hockey sticks, a gesture Stone humorously labeled as “seriously Canadian.”
Earlier in the week, five former prime ministers — Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin, and Stephen Harper — penned an open letter urging Canadians to display their flags as a sign of national pride. In their letter, they stated, “We’ve faced challenges in the past, but we all share one belief: Canada, the true north, strong and free, is a nation worth celebrating and defending.” Since its official introduction on February 15, 1965, the maple leaf flag, devoid of any British ensign, holds a significant place in the hearts of Canadians.
Miller noted that the flag’s simple design resonates well with Canadians of diverse backgrounds. “The absence of a multitude of symbols or historical references makes it adaptable and relatable during various phases of our evolving history,” he explained.
