In brief
The Canadian flag is experiencing a rejuvenation, fueled by President Trump's controversial comments, prompting an unexpected surge in patriotism and flag sales across Canada.
On a good day in February, Debbie Hartlen might sell one Canadian flag at her workshop in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, but recent events have propelled her daily sales to roughly 300 flags, excluding her larger online business. This surge is a direct response to President Trump's threats of imposing crippling tariffs on Canadian exports along with his audacious suggestion that the United States should annex Canada. Many Canadians see these remarks as a serious threat to their economy and identity.“Isn’t it wonderful?,” exclaimed Hartlen, owner of The Flag Shop Nova Scotia. “Thank you, Trump. Who would have thought we’d be saying that?” Her remarks reflect a broader sentiment sweeping through the nation, with renewed interest in the maple leaf flag coinciding with its 60th anniversary.Flag waving has rarely been a common sight in Canada compared to the United States, where patriotism is often expressed through the display of national symbols. However, Trump's language is sparking a revival of Canadian pride. The maple leaf flag, typically seen as understated, took on a more prominent role during protests against COVID restrictions that occupied and disrupted Ottawa for nearly a month back in 2022.Now, as Canadians face these perceived threats from Trump, the flag—and what it represents—has emerged not just as a symbol of national identity but as a rallying point for a population uniting against external pressures. As flag makers scramble to keep up with the soaring demand, the nation's emblem is being embraced like never before.
