Month: February 2025

February 15th is Flag Day in Canada, and it is an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of our flag and the nation. With the finding of unmarked graves at Residential Schools, many in Canada did not fly our flag while trying to reconcile our past and listening to the voices of Indigenous communities. Then came the so-called Freedom Convoys, where we saw our flag flown upside down, a symbol of distress, and with swastikas painted on the flag. Many refrained from hoisting the Canadian flag to distance themselves from the anger, conspiracy theories, and far right that were the international representation of the Convoys.

With Donald Trump threatening to annex Canada and make us the 51st State, Canadians are patriotically flying our flag in resistance and opposition to the threats from the USA. As relationships with allies globally are being tested Canadians are patriotically standing proud with our flag.

A couple weeks ago I spoke to a journalist at Al Jazeera about Residential School denialism in Canada. Conspiracy theories and far right groups have linked together to deny the mass graves found, and in some cases have positioned white men as being victimized by the reality of our colonizing past.

President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods coming into America. Both nations responded with tariffs as well, igniting what could have been a trade war with America’s two biggest trade partners. After negotiation, where Trump got the same deals that were already in place, the tariffs were suspended for 30 days. Trump has consistently said that Canada should be the 51st State, igniting concerns of annexation by the USA. Canadian patriotism in response to the threats and tariffs, have led to a boycott of American products. I spoke with Canadian Press about the patriotism and threat of annexation. This discussion has led to a second interview about the extremists groups I study and their response to the annexation threats.