A township in Ontario is transferring to take away completely affixed American flags from municipal services, citing rising tensions with the U.S. over commerce and political relations.
A West Lincoln council committee voted 4-3 on Tuesday directing workers to take down the flags, although the choice nonetheless requires ultimate approval from the township council.
Through the assembly, Coun. William Reilly questioned why the American flag stays up year-round on the West Lincoln group centre, whereas Ontario’s provincial flag is absent.
“We’ve got an American flag that appears to be fastened in our group centre and we don’t even have an Ontario provincial flag that’s up even in the future a yr,” Reilly stated.
“I really feel disrespected by our American neighbours. It type of strikes a nerve that right here we’re in our nation, in our facility, proudly displaying their flag.”
Whereas all members of the township agreed that they don’t wish to ban the flag, the bulk agreed it ought to solely be displayed when an American crew is visiting.
Coun. Jason Trombetta, who supported the movement, cited considerations about vandalism on the different buildings as one other issue within the removing of the flag.
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“If this (the flag) goes to presumably trigger a disruption or a security difficulty, as a result of we’ve had injury on the group centre, then in the interim, I’ll assist that,” he stated.
Reilly, nonetheless, stood by his place that the difficulty is about respect.
“I’ve no downside with their flag being raised when their crew is enjoying right here, however exterior of that, the flag must be pulled down and saved away. I don’t suppose it has earned the correct to stay in our facility twelve months a yr,” he stated.
The controversy continues as cross-border tensions play out not simply in politics, but in addition in sports activities.
On Thursday, Canada confronted off in opposition to the U.S. in a tense hockey match, profitable 3-2 in additional time furthering the continued tensions between the 2 nations.
Justin Trudeau was fast to reply again to Trumps ongoing financial threats, “You may’t take our nation — and you’ll’t take our sport,” he wrote on X.
Some councillors argued that whereas the American flag must be raised when U.S. groups go to, its everlasting placement in a township facility sends the mistaken message, particularly amid rising commerce tensions.
“Our neighbours from the south aren’t essentially respecting us,” Reilly stated. “What occurs if our relationship deteriorates additional?” he added, earlier than closing off the controversy.
The ultimate choice on the flag’s removing might be made Feb. 24.
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