As of February 16, 2025, the Ontario flag manufacturing company, Flags Unlimited, reported considerable increases in Canadian flag sales, with sales volume doubling over the past year’s figures. This increase in demand is tied to rising tensions between Canada and the United States and a resurgence of Canadian patriotism.
Escalating U.S.-Canada Tensions
The increased desire for Canadian flags correlates with some political developments. President Trump has expressed that Canada would better be it’s 51st state, while announcing a 25% tariff on most Canadian goods, however, the tariffs are now postponed. These developments have triggered very nasty reactions among Canadians, creating a sudden resurgence of pride in their national identity.
Patriotic Response and Increased Flag Sales
With all the external pressures, Canadians have raised the national flag in protest and display of unity. Political figures from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to five former prime ministers have taken the opportunity to encourage citizens to display the flag, especially with the 60th anniversary of the maple leaf flag falling on February 15.
Matt Skipp, owner of Flags Unlimited, said, “The uptick in flag sales is simply on a scale never seen at this time of year, which is normally the slowest period for us.” The company also considers putting on extra shifts and ordering extra stock to cope with the demand.
Broader Economic Patriotism
The trend in flag sales is now placed under the general banner of economic patriotism in Canada. Since the initiation of the Quebec crisis, they have canceled trips to the U.S., boycotting American products, and have even booed at sporting events where U.S. teams participated. The desire to assert Canadian sovereignty and resist economy-minded perceived aggressors, carries an unmistakable air of fervently held desire.
To summarize, the staggering doubling of Canadian flag sales by Ontario’s Flags Unlimited buttresses a sweeping wave of renewed patriotism spread across the country in response to mounting tensions with the United States. A rallying point for both politicians and citizens alike, the Canadian flag has thus emerged as a symbol of collective resilience and pride.
