With U.S. President Donald Trump threatening steep new tariffs on Canadian imports, a rare show of unity has emerged among Canada’s former prime ministers. In a joint statement, Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin, and Stephen Harper are calling on Canadians to rally together and “show the flag” as a symbol of national pride and resilience.
The timing is significant—Saturday, February 15, marks the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag. The former leaders are urging Canadians to fly the flag with pride as never before, emphasizing the strength of the country’s values and independence.
“Let’s show the world that we are proud of our history and proud of our country,” the statement reads.
The renewed call for national unity comes amid heightened tensions with the United States. While Trump’s proposed sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports are on hold until March 4, the president signed an executive order Monday imposing 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports—including those from Canada—starting March 12.
The situation has reignited trade concerns, with Trump previously stating that he wants Canada to become a U.S. state and suggesting that economic pressure could be a tool to achieve that goal.
In response, the former prime ministers praised Canadians for their surge in patriotism and determination to protect their country’s sovereignty.
“Canadians have come together to express their love for this country and their determination to defend Canada’s values and independence,” they said.
Despite their political differences, the five former leaders stood together in agreement:
“Canada, the true north, strong and free, the best country in the world, is worth celebrating and fighting for.”
The call for Canadian unity has already drawn support from political figures. Mark Carney, a Liberal leadership candidate, took to social media on Tuesday to applaud the former prime ministers’ message.
“It’s great to see this show of unity and leadership from former prime ministers,” Carney wrote on X. “Canada is so much bigger than our politics.”
As tensions with the U.S. escalate, the call to “show the flag” resonates not just as a symbolic gesture, but as a reminder of Canada’s enduring national pride and resilience in the face of international challenges.