Tri-City residents are being encouraged to fly the Canadian flag at their homes and workplaces today, Feb. 15, to mark 60 years of the red and white banner.
The call to action to hoist the Canadian standard also comes as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to make Canada the 51st American state and moves to place tariffs on imported goods in an economic bid to take over the country.
Trump’s rhetoric has prompted an outpouring of patriotism with consumers boycotting Made in America goods as well as a letter from five former prime ministers urging Canadians to display the Canadian flag as a show of strength.
The Feb. 11 letter from Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin and Stephen Harper thanks Canadians for their support “to defend Canada’s values and our independence […] and to show the flag as never before.”
The same day, Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West also proclaimed Feb. 15 as National Flag of Canada Day, telling the Tri-City News, “This Feb. 15 marks the 60th anniversary of the Flag of Canada."
"The maple leaf stands as a powerful symbol of unity, pride and the values that define Canada. On this significant milestone, Port Coquitlam proudly honours the flag's role in representing all Canadians and the spirit it embodies," West said.
Designed by George F.G. Stanley, the “new” Canadian flag was raised on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Feb. 15, 1965, to replace the Red Ensign; Queen Elizabeth II officially proclaimed the new maple leaf flag on Jan. 28, 1965.
For more about National Flag of Canada Day on Feb. 15, visit the website.
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