‘Elbows Up, Canada!’ rally held in Dartmouth Sunday

A rally promoting Canadian pride amid the trade war with the United States was held Sunday afternoon at Alderney Landing, in Dartmouth, N.S.

Organizers said the ‘Elbows Up, Canada!’ rally was a “family-friendly and non-partisan” event.

Nova Scotian speakers and musicians took the stage to support the cause, including Ricky and Bubbles, played by Robb Wells and Mike Smith, of the Trailer Park Boys.

Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Andy Fillmore told the crowd, “It’s about keeping the decisions about Canada’s future in the hands of Canadians.”

“One thing I know about Nova Scotia it’s that when challenges arise, we are always better when we face them together,” Fillmore said.

He called on the people in attendance to continue to support and buy Canadian.

“Let’s keep our elbows up HRM!” Fillmore said to applause at the end of his speech.

Other guests included Africville Museum’s executive director Juanita Peters and Elder Debbie Eisan of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre.

Those who participated in the rally said they had a common cause.

“Just here to support Canada,” one woman said.

“Try to spread the message to people that aren’t listening yet that we are one of the strongest, best countries in the world,” she said, adding that, in spite of U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions, it was encouraging to see so much Canadian unity.

The rally included musical performances by Blueberry Grunt, Jah’Mila, George Woodhouse, and Rouge Fatale.

Organizers with ‘Elbows Up, Canada!’ say it is part of a “growing grassroots movement focused on bringing Canadians together across political, cultural, and generational lines.”

Similar rallies were held elsewhere in Canada Sunday.

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