Ontario: A wave of patriotic spirit is sweeping across Canada, driving a sharp rise in flag sales on National Flag Day on February 15, which marks the 60th anniversary of the country's iconic red and white maple leaf banner.
Flags Unlimited, a prominent flag manufacturer based in Barrie, Ontario, has reported that sales have doubled compared to last year. According to co-owner Matt Skipp, the surge is closely tied to recent political tensions with the United States, as Canadians rally around their flag as a symbol of national pride and solidarity.
The rise in demand comes after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Canadian goods earlier this month, though the measure has since been postponed. Trump's controversial remarks about potentially making Canada the 51st U.S. state have further fueled public outcry.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently told business leaders that the U.S. president’s comments reflect an interest in Canada's rich natural resources. In response, Canadian leaders have urged citizens to show their pride by displaying the national flag over the weekend.
The impact of the U.S. tariffs has been felt across industries, including the auto sector, which is deeply connected with American supply chains. Mike Allen, an auto parts worker, visited Flags Unlimited to purchase a flag, stating that he opposes the tariffs due to their potential harm to Canadian jobs.
Flags Unlimited, which produces over 500,000 flags annually, is preparing for a busy season. Skipp revealed that the company is considering increasing production shifts and securing additional materials to meet the growing demand.
