Hundreds of residents gathered in a show of national unity Saturday as the city held its Elbows Up in the Sault rally amid ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States. The non-partisan event, held at Downtown Plaza, saw attendees dressed in red-and-white, waving Canadian flags as speakers called for solidarity. The rally opened with a moment of silence for Connor Dunn, a 15-year-old killed by a suspected drunk driver over the Easter weekend. An Indigenous youth drum group, Giigidoo Nimkii, and the Great Lakes Dancers performed before speakers took the stage. “This is our country. We’re a sovereign nation, and we’re going to enjoy one another’s company today,” said Frank O’Connor, one of the rally’s organizers. “It does not matter your political stripe – you are all welcome here today to celebrate with us.” Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker echoed the sentiment, declaring, “Today, we celebrate and stand up for Canada – for what makes us unique, and what sets us apart. Let me start by saying the obvious: We are not, and will never be, the 51st state.” Shoemaker highlighted cross-border ties, reading a supportive letter from Sault Michigan Mayor Don Gerrie. “There are very few communities across both great countries that have such a close and productive continuing relationship,” Shoemaker said. “The friction between our two nations is not something that people in the U.S. are clamouring for, as Don’s letter shows. We have friends and neighbours across the river.” Speaking to CTV News at the rally, Shoemaker called the event a display of national unity. “Despite whatever is going on across the river or in Washington, in Ottawa, we are Canadian, we’re all proud of it,” he said. “When someone speaks so ill of us or threatens our sovereignty, it’s good to get together with your Canadian family and show them what you really feel.” O’Connor said the event was meant to showcase Canadian resilience. “We wanted to bring people together to celebrate their country in a respectful and mindful way,” he said, noting simultaneous Bridging our Friendship rallies on the U.S. side, including at the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. “Our American brothers and sisters are doing a unity rally as well,” O’Connor said. “They’re asking their folks to come with their signs, their friends, and their Canadian flags. They recognize that we’re hurt right now, that we’re down, but we’re very proud of everything we stand for.” The event, coinciding with similar gatherings at the Ambassador Bridge and Bluewater Bridge, did its best to avoid overt political messaging with Canada’s federal election looming on Monday. “If there is a politician here today – and I know we’re in the middle of an election – I hope they’re just here to have fun with their family and friends and to celebrate their love for this land,” said O’Connor. With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Cory Nordstrom
