Author: Carmen Celestini

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.

I spoke with Jen St. Denis at The Tyee about the role of social media, conspiracy theories, and constructed victimhood of men and the political movement that results. St. Denis investigates the rise of BC Conservative Party Executive Director Angelo Isidorou from right-wing university campus organizer to the position he now holds.

I spoke to the host of the Big Story Podcast, Cormac Mac Sweeney, about the recent conviction of convoy leader, Pat King, the far-right in Canada, and what impact the Trump Presidency could have on Canada.

King’s live feeds from the convoy played a significant role in his conviction, but the remaining convoy leaders who are charged had very different online activities during the campaign. How will King’s conviction impact their upcoming trials? The far right in Canada have been emboldened by the Convoys, the shift the right of the Canadian electorate (based on recent polls for the 2025 federal election), and the election of Trump in the US. What could potentially happen if Trump fulfills his campaign promises with Christian nationalism, deportations, detention camps, and limiting of the rights of LGBTQ2SA individuals, and will it affect the political climate here? The full episode with more commentary can be found on The Big Story Podcast site.

Seaborn Larson wrote a long form piece for the Missoulian newspaper about their engagement with a cell in Montana. My earlier work printed in the Critical Theology Journal was included in the piece.

I was interviewed by David Rider for the Toronto Star to discuss the conspiracy theories linked to the urban planning theory of creating livable cities, where residents can access everything they need within 15 minutes of their home. Conspiracy theories link this to the Great Reset and the social credit system, to enslave populations and bring in a new world order.

On election day, November 5, 2024 voters encountered instances of bomb threats, fake FBI videos claiming potential terrorism at voting locations, fake instances of ballot cheating, and accusations of elected officials stating that the transfer of power would not occur. Were the institutions successful in countering these threats and claims, or did disinformation have an impact?