5 former prime ministers say fly the maple leaf on Saturday to stand up to Trump
All of the country’s living former prime ministers are urging Canadians to show their national pride this weekend by flying the red maple leaf flag in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to Canada’s economy and sovereignty. Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin, and Stephen Harper have come together to write an open letter encouraging Canadians to display the flag as a symbol of unity and strength in the face of adversity.
The former prime ministers emphasize the importance of celebrating Canada’s history and values, highlighting the country’s resilience and independence. They point out that despite past challenges, Canada remains the best country in the world worth defending. The letter calls on Canadians to fly the flag with pride and demonstrate their love for their homeland.
Flag Day, which commemorates the first raising of the red and white maple leaf flag on Parliament Hill in 1965, is a fitting occasion for Canadians to come together and show their support for their country. The former prime ministers note that in response to Trump’s threats, there has been a surge of Canadian pride and patriotism, with many people expressing their determination to defend Canada’s values and independence.
Trump’s disparaging remarks about Canada’s economy and military, as well as his threats of economic coercion, have sparked a wave of national pride among Canadians. Many have chosen to buy Canadian products and boycott American goods in protest of the tariffs imposed by the U.S. Some are even opting to avoid cross-border trips, leading to shorter wait times at border crossings.
In response to these actions, the former prime ministers are calling on Canadians to proudly display their national symbols as a show of strength and unity. They emphasize the importance of standing together in the face of adversity and defending Canada’s values and sovereignty. Liberal leadership contender Mark Carney has praised the show of unity and leadership, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is organizing a “Canada First” rally in Ottawa to celebrate the nation’s flag.
Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge has highlighted the significance of the flag as a symbol of Canadian identity and values. She encourages Canadians to celebrate the flag and what it represents, including generosity, openness, respect, and equality. A special ceremony will be held in Ottawa to unfurl the flag along the historic Rideau Canal, underscoring the importance of national pride and unity.
As Canadians gear up for the Four Nations Face-Off hockey game between Canada and the U.S., the former prime ministers urge Canadians to show their support for Team Canada and celebrate the country’s achievements. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the maple leaf flag, a symbol of Canada’s unity and independence that replaced the Red Ensign after a contentious debate.
Despite the initial opposition to the flag’s adoption, it has become one of the most important symbols of the country for Canadians. The maple leaf flag represents Canada’s values and identity, connecting people to their national pride and heritage. As Canadians come together to fly the flag this weekend, they will demonstrate their unwavering support for their country and their commitment to defending its values and independence.
