As U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to hit Canada with steep tariffs, several former prime ministers are calling on Canadians to express their national pride and 鈥渟how the flag.鈥�
Saturday, Feb. 15 鈥� Flag Day 鈥� marks the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag.
In a joint statement, former prime ministers Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Jean Chr茅tien, Paul Martin and Stephen Harper urge Canadians to fly the flag with pride as 鈥渘ever before.鈥�
鈥淟et鈥檚 show the world that we are proud of our history and proud of our country,鈥� the statement says.
The former prime ministers say there has been a 鈥渟urge鈥� in Canadian pride and patriotism in the face of Trump鈥檚 tariff threats.
While Trump鈥檚 plans for sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports are on hold until at least March 4, the president signed executive orders Monday to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including Canadian products, starting March 12.
Trump also has said repeatedly he wants Canada to become a U.S. state and could use economic pressure to make that happen.
In their statement, the former prime ministers say Canadians have come together to 鈥渆xpress their love鈥� for the country and 鈥渢heir determination to defend Canada鈥檚 values and independence.鈥�
鈥淎s former prime ministers of Canada, we applaud this national spirit,鈥� the statement says. 鈥淭he five of us come from different parties. We鈥檝e had our share of battles in the past. But we all agree on one thing: Canada, the true north, strong and free, the best country in the world, is worth celebrating and fighting for.鈥�
In a post on X Tuesday, Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney said it鈥檚 great to see the 鈥渟how of unity and leadership鈥� from former prime ministers, adding that 鈥淐anada is so much bigger than our politics.鈥�
