Canadian Flag Sales Surge Amid U.S. Tensions

By Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo
BARRIE, Ontario – Sales at Flags Unlimited, a Canadian flagmaker, have doubled over the past year due to rising patriotism amid tensions with the U.S.

The increase coincides with Canada’s National Flag Day on February 15, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the iconic red and white maple leaf banner’s introduction in Ottawa.

Matt Skipp, co-owner of Flags Unlimited in Barrie, attributes this demand surge to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats regarding Canadian sovereignty. “It’s a direct response to the political climate, with Canadians rallying behind their flag as a symbol of unity,” Skipp stated.

Canadian politicians have urged citizens to display the national flag to showcase unity and national pride throughout the weekend.

In response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods announced on February 3, Canadians have altered their shopping habits, canceled trips to the U.S., and even booed at sporting events. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remarked that Trump’s suggestion of absorbing Canada as the 51st U.S. state relates to the country’s wealth of natural resources.

Flags Unlimited produces over 500,000 flags annually and is contemplating extra shifts and sourcing additional materials to keep up with soaring demand, Skipp mentioned. The company manufactures the flags in Ontario, even as it imports some components.

Mike Allen, an auto parts employee, visited the store to purchase a flag and expressed his opposition to the U.S. tariffs and their potential effects on his job. “We’re not the enemy. It’s hard to understand why we’re being attacked,” Allen said.