Flags Limitless’s gross sales of Canadian flags have doubled from a yr earlier, the Ontario firm’s house owners mentioned, as tensions with america gas a wave of patriotism.
The rise in gross sales comes forward of Canada’s nationwide flag day on Saturday, marking the sixtieth anniversary of the crimson and white maple leaf banner’s debut in Ottawa.
Matt Skipp, co-owner of Flags Limitless in Barrie, north of Toronto, attributes the spike in demand to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump over Canadian sovereignty.
“It is a direct response to the political local weather, with Canadians rallying behind their flag as an emblem of unity,” Skipp mentioned.
Canadian politicians have known as on residents to show the nationwide flag this weekend to exhibit that unity and their nationwide satisfaction.
Canadians have cancelled journeys south of the border, boycotted U.S. alcohol and different merchandise and even booed at sporting occasions after Trump introduced 25 per cent tariffs on most of Canada’s items on Feb. 3, although he has since delayed them.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau instructed a room of enterprise leaders final week that he thought Trump’s speak about absorbing Canada because the 51st U.S. state “is a real thing” and is linked to the nation’s wealthy pure sources, a authorities supply mentioned.
Flags Limitless, which produces greater than 500,000 flags yearly, is contemplating further shifts and sourcing further supplies to satisfy the surge in demand, Skipp mentioned.
The corporate manufactures and assembles the flags in Ontario, although it imports a few of its supplies from abroad.
Mike Allen, who works within the auto elements trade, visited the shop to purchase a Canadian flag on Wednesday. Allen mentioned he opposed U.S. tariffs, as a result of considerations in regards to the direct impression on his job.
The auto trade in North America is very built-in, and corporations have warned that tariffs would additionally increase prices for Individuals.
“We’re not the enemy,” Allen mentioned. “It is exhausting to grasp why we’re being attacked.”
Flag Day in Canada is taking a renewed significance this yr amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated calls to annex Canada and switch it into the “51st state.”
Source link