Rising Canadian patriotism is a chance to rethink who gets to belong here

Rising Canadian patriotism is a chance to rethink who gets to belong here

Some Canadians are pushing back against recent threats from the United States government to Canada’s s sovereignty and economic stability with the rallying cry “Elbows up!” Borrowed from hockey, the phrase charges Canadians to raise one’s elbows in preparation to fight back. Read more: Elbows up, Canada: Musical responses to Trump’s Canada threats In another gesture towards Canadian national solidarity, the iconic 2000 “I am Canadian” beer ad w…

Canadian Nationalism Is Back. Now What?

A few months before the 1988 federal election, the editorial board of the Globe and Mail issued a resounding endorsement of free trade with the United States, defending the Brian Mulroney government’s recently negotiated deal as essential to the future of Canada. The agreement, it argued, will provide “evidence that Canadians can prosper in a highly competitive market, without the aid of artificial protection,” going on to denounce limitations o…

Amid a surge of nationalism — Indigenous sovereignty must be recognized

A “Canadian” flag was hung over the B.C. Legislature in March in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Photo: B.C government These days, our public discourse is filled with the word “sovereignty.” There is a surge of pride in our province, and country, and renewed expressions of Canada’s strength as a nation.  Of course, this focus on our sovereignty has risen more to the surface because of threats — from the United States in particular,…

So near and yet so far…

by BROCK WEIR I was pleased to have the opportunity to attend the Ontario Community Newspapers Association’s Publisher’s Retreat over the weekend with our teams from Aurora, Caledon and Orangeville. Held in the always picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake, it was an opportunity for both learning and celebration as the OCNA recognized the winners of their annual Better Newspapers Competition and their Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. The celebratory part …