Flags flying off the shelves amid Canadian patriotism fueled by Trump’s threats

Sales of the Maple Leaf flag are flying high ahead of Canada Day – partly due to threats to Canada’s sovereignty from the U.S.

Victoria’s Gord Morrison bought his first-ever Canadian flag three days ago.

“Hung proudly on our balcony in James Bay,” he said Monday, with a smile.

He’s not alone. In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated calls to annex the country, there’s been a surge in patriotism.

A Research Co. poll says the biggest source of that pride is the flag. Seventy-nine per cent of respondents said the Canadian flag makes them feel proud.

“Over the past few months, particularly because of the 51st State comments from Donald Trump, is Canadians sort of retaking the flag - you’re more likely to see the flag flying not only because of Canada Day but on other moments,” said Research Co.’s Mario Canseco.

Co-owner of Canada’s biggest flag company, Flags Unlimited, says sales are up 75 per cent this year over last, the company has doubled its staff, and is printing new maple leaves 19 hours a day to keep up with demand.

“It has been unprecedented,” said Brian Naish. “It started in February, when our friends south of the border started making noises threatening our sovereignty.”

And the interest is not a one-off, there’s also a 35 per-cent spike in pole purchases, to make them fly permanently.

“Really, people are making a conscious decision to permanently decorate their property with a symbol of Canadian patriotism, Canadian pride,” said Naish.

But the backlash to Trump hasn’t sustained in all ways. Take the slogan “elbows up,” a hockey reference adopted by Prime Minister Mark Carney during his campaign.

Danielle McDonagh, owner of Vernon-based Rowantree Clothing, says the company’s shirt sales with that message have dwindled because the motto may have become too partisan.

“As the election started, we noticed a precipitous drop, and we noticed a lot of division between people. So it became a very politicized movement,” said McDonagh.

But ahead of Canada’s birthday – and in the face of an external threat - there’s more support than ever for the symbol of national pride and unity.