One of the largest cities in Ontario has begun the process of taking down American flags from its facilities and intends to replace them with large Canadian symbols amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Mississauga, situated directly west of Toronto, announced over the weekend that it is in the process of removing U.S. flags from its buildings.
Mayor Carolyn Parrish shared this decision via social media, stating it was made “at the request of many residents.” She indicated that the stars and stripes would be taken down from sports arenas and various sites along the shores of Lake Ontario.
“Large Canadian flags (15’x30’) have been ordered and will be displayed on all the poles at City Hall,” she noted.
This decision to remove the flags comes in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing threats to annex Canada and designate it as America’s 51st state. Additionally, the White House is currently engaged in a contentious trade and tariff dispute with Canada.
These threats have resulted in the U.S. national anthem being booed at sporting events nationwide, including during the 4 Nations faceoff match between the United States and Canada in Montreal.
Furthermore, the Ontario government has prohibited American companies from participating in public contract bids, while British Columbia has excluded Tesla—led by Trump’s advisor Elon Musk—from public rebate programs.
Recently, the City of Barrie also removed American flags from its facilities, and West Lincoln Township has followed suit.