Oh, Canada! Like so many Canadians these days, my passion for being a citizen of our incredible country has surged. My wonder has awakened once again at the wonderful rivers and lakes where we swim; the sap, boiled for hours to become the delicious maple syrup that we love; the national health-care system, strained as it is; and how polite and inclusive we usually are.
Recently, our country has been in the spotlight, thanks to the current president of our neighbour to the south. During a Super Bowl interview, he said, “I think Canada would be much better off being the 51st state because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada. And I’m not going to let that happen.” (Feb 9, 2025).
Not only this, but the announced tariffs and the threat of more to come, has sparked a remarkable wave of patriotism across Canada, with 84% of Canadians saying they do not want to become part of the United States. Thank goodness!
Canadian Flag turns 60
As luck would have it, in the midst of this our Canadian flag turned 60 this past week (a wonderful history was written by Maegen Kulchar in this paper on Feb. 10). In honour of National Flag Day, five former prime ministers from different parties – Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin and Stephen Harper – made a statement: “In the face of threats and insults from Donald Trump, Canadians have come together to express their love for our country and their determination to defend Canada’s values and our independence.” (Feb. 12, 2025).
It’s refreshing when different political parties agree on anything! Now, people from all over are proudly hoisting the Canadian flag. In some ways, it’s like reclaiming the flag after it was appropriated by the “freedom convoy” in Ottawa in February 2022.
Kingston displays patriotism
Here in Kingston, the response has been inspiring. Our city, with its rich history, has seen a vibrant display of national pride. Kingstonians are proudly hanging flags on porches, in stores and city hall has also raised a large flag.
I was at market square recently and I heard a delightful, spontaneous rendition of O Canada. Local businesses have joined in the patriotic fervor with coffee shops offering “Maple Leaf Lattes,” bakeries selling red-and-white cupcakes, and pubs have introduced “51st State” drink specials. It’s a lighthearted way for us to express our Canadian identity and poke a little fun at the situation.
Also, I want to applaud Kingston City Councillors Wendy Stephens and Brandon Tazzo for the motion “Shop Local Campaign” that they created and put before city council in response to the tariffs.
Buying Canadian
Beyond Kingston, other Canadians have felt the ripple effect. From Newfoundland to British Columbia to Nunavut, stories are pouring in across the country about a heightened awareness of buying Canadian products. CBC has done several radio shows about it and there’s more than a million members on a Facebook group called Made in Canada – Canadian Products, created for those who appreciate and love Canadian products.
Social media is abuzz with memes featuring Mounties guarding the border and the Canadian comedy show This Hour Has 22 Minutes had Mark Critch firmly joking, “War is no time for soft cheezies!” (in reference to buying Canadian made Hawkins cheezies). We can have fun, even in the face of bizarre and unexpected challenges.
Empowering individuals
But it’s not only buying Canadian that is important, although that is one thing that empowers us as individuals. There are significant political and economic implications in the threats towards Canada and we have come together as “Team Canada at its best,” as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invited us to do a few weeks ago.
Canadian Unity emerges
As the discussions continue and political leaders navigate the complexities of international relations, Canada’s sense of unity and identity has been reinvigorated. In Kingston, and across our beloved country, citizens are embracing our extraordinary country and heritage with rekindled enthusiasm. Whether you fly your flag higher or for the first time, sing the national anthem in Market Square or in your shower, now is the time for us as Canadians to celebrate our country, our politics and our landscape.
So, while the idea of becoming a 51st state, increased tariffs and who knows what else, might provoke fear and anxiety, Canadians are unwavering about staying independent and working together. We want to continue to enjoy maple leaf lattes, cheer for hockey teams, and celebrate the diverse and vibrant tapestry that makes our country truly unique. After all, as any Canadian will tell you, there’s no place like home.
