Written for Daily Hive by Rachel Thexton, president of Thexton PR.
Whenever visiting the United States, I am impressed and slightly envious, seeing American flags hanging proudly outside of most homes, posted to residential mailboxes and on the bumpers of American cars. How amazing would it feel for us as Canadians to be bolder and louder in voicing love for our nation?
The shock and disgust many Canadians have felt for years while watching the most controversial president in American history has turned to passion and action after US President Donald Trump took things too far, even for his kind and humble northern neighbours.
President Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Canadian imports, his exaggeration of how much fentanyl enters the US via our borders, and worse, his rants about Canada becoming the 51st state have connected Canadians in joint feelings of frustration and vocal Canadian pride.
Chip Somodevilla/Shutterstock
Even political leadership, traditionally diplomatic and calm, has intensified language while pushing back against Trump’s preposterous comments. In January, BC’s Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Ravi Kahlon, spoke with the media while voicing his pride for Canada, referring to the Trump team as bullies and while responding to the idea of our country becoming the 51st American state, shot back with, “Excuse my language, but eff that idea.”
I was relieved and impressed with Minister Kahlon’s response, one that firmly communicated that a line had been crossed and that our nation has had enough.
I know I am not alone.
COVID-19, Canada’s response to the toxic drug health emergency, and other political issues have divided Canadians for years. Canadians have also been struggling with the cost of living, unaffordable housing, and a division that has often isolated us from one another.
Now, we see Canadian patriotism bringing those from all political camps together, aligned with pride and love for our country. It is a national pride that is exciting to see. Canadians from all provinces agree that Trump overstepped and that we must stand together, modesty and differences pushed aside, to show and tell the US and the world how amazing our nation is.
This is not only a feeling I sense or an observation I am making alone.
A recent Angus Reid Institute poll shows that pride amongst Canadians is rebuilding following years of decline. In February, 44% of survey respondents said they were “very proud” of their country, while two months earlier, in December, only 34% claimed to feel this way.
Even Quebec, a province that has voiced a desire to separate from our nation in the past, is feeling the pride. Between December and February, the share of Quebecers who said they were “very proud” or “proud” to be Canadian increased 13 points from 45% to 58%, according to an Angus Reid poll.
From Canadians voicing a desire to “buy Canadian” to social media chatter spreading regarding changing US travel plans, Canadians are putting actions behind their feelings of national pride and protection of our economy.
When it comes to flags, the news is overwhelming. Canada’s largest flag producer, Flags Unlimited, has seen double the sales in the first six weeks of 2025 compared to sales during this period last year. Co-owner Matt Skipp says, “The more Trump talks, the more flags we sell.”
Elena Berd/Shutterstock
We will see more flags than ever outside Canadian homes flying proudly across the country.
More than that, there is a silver lining in a potentially devastating trade war; we, as Canadians, are speaking out loudly and with passion, united in love for our country.
This is something we have not seen in far too long, and I anticipate that it is not short-lived pride bringing us together as Canadians, regardless of our differences, but one that reminds us of what we have and how grateful we are.
That sounds Canadian to me.