Canada’s national flag recognized worldwide as a symbol of this country, is on display in a new wave of national pride and patriotism.
Last week, in advance of Flag Day on Feb. 15, five former prime ministers — Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin and Stephen Harper — urged Canadians to fly the flag.
“Let’s show the world that we are proud of our history and proud of our country,” said a statement from the former prime ministers.
The five former prime ministers include Liberals and Conservatives, who did not always agree with each other in policy or direction. Still, they have been able to unite behind the Canadian flag. Their recent call for displaying the flag is part of a renewed wave of Canadian pride and patriotism.
This is happening as a result of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs on Canadian goods entering his country, and also in response to Trump’s increasingly frequent comments about making Canada a U.S. state.
In response, Canadians have been showing their support for this country. There are renewed efforts to buy from Canadian companies and businesses, as well as a renewed celebration of Canada and its traditions and values.
The maple leaf flag was first flown on Feb. 15, 1965, and each year, the day is designated as Flag Day in Canada.
While the maple leaf had been associated with Canada in the past, the present flag is a made-in-Canada design and is easily recognizable in Canada and around the world.
When the flag was first flown, Prime Minister Lester Pearson spoke of the values the flag represented.
“May the land over which this new flag flies remain united in freedom and justice … sensitive, tolerant and compassionate towards all,” he said at the time.
This is the message of the flag. It is not a protest symbol or a banner to be flown for a special cause. It is a symbol for all who live in Canada, regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, sexuality or opinions. It is a flag for everyone in this country. And it is to be displayed with dignity and respect for what it represents.
The recent call to fly the flag echoes some of Pearson’s sentiments. Canada’s values and character are worth embracing. They deserve to be displayed for all to see.
— Black Press
