This weekend marks the 60th anniversary of the iconic Canadian flag’s first flight on Parliament Hill, and in a show of national unity, all five living former prime ministers are urging Canadians to raise the red maple leaf as a symbol of pride and resilience. The call comes in response to recent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has targeted Canada’s economy and sovereignty.
In an open letter published this week, Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin, and Stephen Harper jointly encouraged Canadians to “show the flag as never before” this Saturday, February 15th, in honor of Flag Day. The date commemorates the day in 1965 when the red and white maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill, replacing the Canadian Red Ensign.
The former leaders emphasized the significance of the occasion amid the ongoing tension between Canada and the U.S., where President Trump has repeatedly mocked Canada’s military capabilities and economy. Trump has even threatened to push for Canada’s annexation as the 51st U.S. state, a notion overwhelmingly rejected by Canadians.
“We’ve had our share of battles in the past, but we all agree on one thing: Canada, the true north, strong and free, the best country in the world, is worth celebrating and fighting for,” the letter reads.
The letter also reflects a surge in national pride across the country, as Canadians respond to Trump’s provocative rhetoric by expressing their commitment to defending their country’s values and independence. Public support for “buying Canadian” has grown, with many opting to avoid American-made goods as a protest against Trump’s policies. The flag, they argue, is a potent symbol of the nation’s unity, values, and sovereignty in challenging times.
In addition to the former prime ministers’ letter, Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge echoed the call to action, urging Canadians to celebrate the flag’s symbolism of “generosity, openness, respect, and equality.” A special ceremony will take place on Friday in Ottawa, where youth will help unfurl a giant flag along the historic Rideau Canal.
This year’s Flag Day holds particular historical weight as it marks the 60th anniversary of the flag’s adoption. The red maple leaf replaced the Canadian Red Ensign, which had been a symbol of Canada’s British colonial ties. The debate over the flag’s design was heated, with former prime minister John Diefenbaker advocating for the Red Ensign, but ultimately, a compromise led to the adoption of the maple leaf—a design that became a powerful symbol of Canada’s independence and national unity.
As Canadians prepare to celebrate Flag Day and show their patriotism, they will also be tuning in to the highly anticipated Four Nations Face-Off hockey game in Montreal, where Team Canada, led by Sidney Crosby, will face off against the U.S. Fans across the country are encouraged to display their flags and cheer for Canada in a spirit of unity and pride.
The 60th anniversary of the maple leaf flag serves not just as a reminder of Canada’s rich history but also as a rallying point in the face of external challenges, demonstrating that Canadians, regardless of political differences, stand united in their love for their country.
