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CTV News
4 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
High River Rotary Club unites community through Canadian flag display
In a powerful show of patriotism and community spirit, front lawns across High River are flying the Canadian flag as part of a unique initiative organized by the local Rotary Club—and it's all for a good cause. In a powerful show of patriotism and community spirit, front lawns across High River are flying the Canadian flag as part of a unique initiative organized by the local Rotary Club—and it's all for a good cause. The program, which sees residents 'rent' a Canadian flag for $50 a year, has quietly grown into a town-wide tradition. Volunteers install dozens upon dozens of flags at homes three times a year—over the May long weekend, on Canada Day and again for Labour Day—each time transforming neighbourhoods into seas of red and white. 'We kind of set a very small goal when this first started in 2019 of selling 50 flags, and back then, we actually sold 100 flags in the first year,' said Damian Boyle, chairman of the Canadian Flag Program. 'And then this year—believe it or not—we've got 607 flags out right now.' While the program raises money for local and international charitable projects, its deeper impact is more personal. 'It's a massive expression of Canadian nationalism or patriotism within a small town in Alberta,' said Boyle. 'Canadians aren't always known to be overtly patriotic, but we give them the chance to display their patriotism. That's what it's all about.' In a powerful show of patriotism and community spirit, front lawns across High River are flying the Canadian flag as part of a unique initiative organized by the local Rotary Club—and it's all for a good cause. In a powerful show of patriotism and community spirit, front lawns across High River are flying the Canadian flag as part of a unique initiative organized by the local Rotary Club—and it's all for a good cause. James Young, a newer resident of High River, was one of many drawn to the initiative for its unifying power. 'Last year, I think there were maybe 12 or 14 flags here on my street. Today, there's 40 all lined up in a row,' he said. 'Our national pride is catching on big.' The response, organizers say, is almost entirely organic. 'We don't advertise. It's all word of mouth,' said Boyle. 'A lot of it has to do with neighbours—you'll see some streets in this town where every house has got a flag on the front lawn.' In a powerful show of patriotism and community spirit, front lawns across High River are flying the Canadian flag as part of a unique initiative organized by the local Rotary Club—and it's all for a good cause. In a powerful show of patriotism and community spirit, front lawns across High River are flying the Canadian flag as part of a unique initiative organized by the local Rotary Club—and it's all for a good cause. And behind every flag is a small army of volunteers—nearly 45 people helped power the project this year, from longtime Rotarians to locals who just want to contribute. Jerry Coackwell, a Rotary member for 35 years, called it one of the most memorable initiatives he's ever worked on. 'It builds our club, brings us all together as members and gives us a sense of purpose,' he said. 'When you pound that flag into the ground and you see the result of it, it makes you very proud to be a Rotarian and a Canadian.' Dianne Fedosa, a newer Rotary member, echoed that sentiment. 'When you stand back or you're driving away, you just feel a great sense of accomplishment and being very patriotic to our Canada,' she said. Even those not directly affiliated with the club, like Lana Ottewell, a friend of the Rotary Club of High River, say they feel a strong connection. 'As a proud Canadian, it's just amazing to have a flag in front of my home and to be able to help the Rotary Club and all that they do within High River and within the world, actually,' she said. The $50 donations fund a wide array of charitable efforts, with about $26,000 net this year going to local charitable initiatives. 'That money will go towards supporting a bus in town for seniors and disabled residents, food bank donations, youth scholarships,' said Boyle. 'It also helps fund international projects—from an ophthalmology clinic in Burundi to sanitation projects in Central America.' Knowing it's for a good cause means so much more for people like Young, who told CTV News that it all comes back to values. 'I think that we need to always celebrate our heritage,' he said. 'The people that made this land free don't get forgotten about, and we don't quit on them.' With more flags flying than ever before ahead of Canada Day celebrations next week, the message is clear: 'In High River, patriotism is alive, well and proudly on display,' said Boyle. For more information or to sign up, visit the Rotary Club of High River's website.
CTV News
8 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
City of Barrie showcases Canadian pride in massive way
A 150-foot tall flagpole with a flag, measuring 35 feet by 70 feet, flies at the Barrie-Simcoe Emergency Services Campus on Fairview Road in Barrie, Ont. The City of Barrie has put its national pride on display in a big way, with the unveiling of a massive Canadian flag, just in time for Canada Day. The flag, measuring 35 feet by 70 feet, flies atop a 150-foot-tall flagpole, and is located at the Barrie-Simcoe Emergency Services Campus on Fairview Road in the city's south end. Mayor Alex Nuttall attended Thursday's unveiling and highlighted the importance of the new installation. 'This flag isn't just a new landmark, it's a symbol of the pride we feel for our city, our province, and our country,' he said. Local developer Skyline provided the financial support for the project. 'We're honoured to have contributed to bringing this project to life,' noted Jason Castellan, Skyline co-founder and CEO. Barrie Canadian Flag A 150-foot tall flagpole with a flag, measuring 35 feet by 70 feet, flies at the Barrie-Simcoe Emergency Services Campus on Fairview Road in Barrie, Ont. The mayor also touched on the flag's symbolism amid tensions between Canada and the United States. 'As conversations about national identity have taken place beyond our borders, this flag is a reminder of who we are, and the values that bring us together,' Nuttall added. The towering flagpole and its gigantic flag is strategically placed to be visible from various locations throughout the city and Highway 400, the mayor emphasized. 'This Canada Day, our patriotic pride will be highlighted for both residents and folks just passing through on their way to the cottage.'
CTV News
3 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Doug Ford unveils giant Canadian flag outside Queen's Park
A giant Canadian flag has been installed at Queen's Park ahead of Canada Day festivities next week. Premier Doug Ford posted a time-lapse video to social media on Tuesday morning showing the flag being raised above the front entrance to Ontario's legislature. The installation of the flag comes amid ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. and a surge in patriotic sentiment in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestions that Canada should become 'the 51st state.' 'With Canada Day just around the corner, we've unveiled a giant Canadian flag to mark the occasion on the front of Queen's Park,' Ford said on social media. 'Let's all come together to celebrate our incredible country. The true north, strong and free!' Prime Minister Mark Carney said last week that Canada would look to reach a new economic partnership agreement with the U.S. by July 21. However, on Monday he told reporters that 'nothing was assured' and that Canada will only accept 'the right deal' with the United States. Canada Day is set for next Tuesday.
Globe and Mail
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Four decades after it raised the Canadian flag, a small Idaho town fights to keep it flying
As you cross the Kootenai River driving south into Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Highway 95 sweeps to the left, beside a patch of grass where, for the better part of a century, the Canadian flag has fluttered next to the stars and stripes and the state emblem. Rick Alonzo was there when the maple leaf was first raised four decades ago, at a spot 42 kilometres from the U.S.-Canada border that Idahoans have long crossed for sporting events and runs to the closest Dairy Queen, in Creston, B.C. He was also the one who ordered it pulled down late last month, after the state Attorney-General's office threatened to sue if the city continued to display the flag of a foreign nation on government property, following the passage of a restrictive law earlier this year that has become popular among conservative states. And Mr. Alonzo, now the local mayor, was there last week, when a small crowd of city councillors and concerned residents once again raised the Canadian flag at its traditional spot, after they voted unanimously to declare 'that three-hundred and sixty-five days per year are a special occasion in the city of Bonners Ferry commemorating our city's neighborly relationship with Canada.' 'It just makes sense,' Mr. Alonzo said, 'since we're such close neighbours that we fly your country's flag. Because we are good friends.' The banishment and resurrection of the Canadian flag in northern Idaho marks a minor moment in the life of a city of 2,520. But it comes at a time of much broader social and legislative change across the U.S., as conservative states, emboldened by the triumph of Donald Trump in last year's election, pursue new measures to stamp out ideas they find distasteful, including the celebration of groups outside heterosexual orthodoxy. 'If you're not white and you're not Christian,' said Tom Arkoosh, who ran for state Attorney-General in 2022 as a Democrat, 'the right wing of the Republican Party does not want you.' Utah, too, has passed legislation banning most flags from government property. Backers of the laws in those states say they simply want to ensure divisive symbols are not displayed in public spaces. But critics say the intent is to force the removal of rainbow flags that have been displayed at city halls in Boise and Salt Lake City. 'My read on this situation is that this legislation was specifically aimed at the City of Boise. They've been flying the pride flag outside of city hall for 10 years,' said Andrakay Pluid, the Bonners Ferry city attorney. 'They wanted them to take that pride flag down. And Bonners Ferry and any other municipality that's flying a different flag got looped into it.' Ms. Pluid crafted the Bonners Ferry resolution establishing a unique designation for Canada, taking advantage of a loophole in the law that allows for foreign flags to be flown on special occasions, while leaving that undefined. That means 'every day can be a special occasion,' Ms. Pluid said. In Boise and Salt Lake City, councillors found other loopholes, designating rainbow flags as official city flags – allowing them to be displayed once again. The willingness in those cities to buck state legislators is emblematic of broader political tensions as diverse urban polities resist legislation that imposes a narrow definition of acceptable cultural displays. Meanwhile, conservative legislators are seeking to constrict the broader boundaries of American life. In Idaho, one of the primary backers of the flag legislation was state representative Heather Scott, a Republican who also proposed a measure this year condemning the U.S. Supreme Court legalization of same-sex marriage as an 'illegitimate overreach.' That measure asked for the reinstatement of 'the natural definition of marriage' as being between a man and a woman. Ms. Scott did not respond to a request for comment. State Senator Ben Toews, the other primary backer of the flag legislation, said his concern extended beyond the pride flag. 'The idea behind the legislation is trying to keep, I would say, politically charged flags out of the public sphere,' he said in an interview. 'It makes more sense for us to fly flags that unify us and not divide us,' he added. Still, Sen. Toews said he intended to find a way to remake the legislation to block the loophole used by Boise. 'It's likely we'll find some way to address it,' he said. He said it would also make sense to address some of the other problems created by the legislation. The law can be read to bar cities from flying flags on public land to alert drivers to workers ahead, or to celebrate important local groups such as the sizeable Basque community in Boise – or to welcome Canadians. 'We can fix it to make sure that it's clear that we're glad we have such great neighbours up in Canada and are totally supportive of that,' Sen. Toews said. For now, at least, he said he had no desire to ban the maple leaf, notwithstanding the repeated pledges by Mr. Trump to annex Canada. 'I imagine if we were at war with Canada, we wouldn't be flying the flag,' Sen. Toews said. 'But I don't think we have any plans for that.' In the meantime, he called the Bonners Ferry resolution on Canada a 'beautiful' way to address the issue. Restoring the Canadian flag, of course, is unlikely to achieve much against the larger set of issues between the two countries. U.S. border land crossings into Idaho were down 12 per cent in February and March. At the Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa, owned by the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Canadian business fell by half during the first quarter of the year, said Tom Turpin, chief executive of the Kootenai Tribal Development Corporation. The tribe has kept a Canadian flag on display at its casino complex. 'We love our Canadians. We're not going to take our flag down. Never even once thought about it,' Mr. Turpin said. 'They're a very valuable part of our business. But they're also friends. They're family.' Others in Bonner Ferry cannot understand the broader White House hostility toward Canada. 'The tariff thing is just crazy. I don't get it,' said Cal Russell, who owns Boundary Tractor, a local Kubota dealer. He was among those who spoke at the city council meeting at which the Canada resolution passed. 'We're all one, and it just didn't make sense that we couldn't fly the flag,' he said. Mr. Russell is pleased that the red-and-white has once again been raised alongside the red-white-and-blue. 'It's where it belongs,' he said.
Toronto Sun
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Ottawa looking for ways to mend tears in Canada's social fabric, document shows
Published May 07, 2025 • 3 minute read The Canadian Flag flies over the Brockville Railway Tunnel under a glorious midwinter sky on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Brockville, Ont. Photo by RONALD ZAJAC / The Brockville Recorder and Times OTTAWA — Senior federal officials have been looking quietly for ways to bring together Canadians who don't see eye to eye on the economy, immigration and social issues. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account With a general election looming, officials prepared to meet last November to brainstorm solutions to the problem of social fragmentation, according to an internal presentation drafted by the Department of Canadian Heritage. The presentation called on session participants to come up with ideas to make Canadian society more cohesive by reversing the trend toward polarization, building trust in government agencies and fighting the swelling tide of misinformation and disinformation. The document offered various questions for discussion, including one asking how session participants could 'position our advice on strengthening social cohesion in a way that will resonate for the next government, whatever its complexion.' The Canadian Press used the Access to Information Act to obtain the Nov. 19 Canadian Heritage presentation. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Citing three previous meetings of senior government officials since 2019, the document notes that social cohesion has been a subject of 'broad and perennial interest' among federal deputy ministers. Recent elections in other countries saw issues such as affordability, inflation, housing, immigration, racism, sexism, transphobia, diversity and false information become 'divisive wedge issues,' the presentation says. It points to evidence of polarization in Canada associated with the emergence of political 'echo chambers' online and in personal relationships, as well as discrimination, political bias and the spread of misinformation. The presentation also suggests, however, that fragmentation in Canada over the last few years 'has been less toxic than what has been experienced in like-minded countries.' Still, the document says officials at the November meeting planned to talk about how to ramp up efforts to 'engage and 'bring back' groups veering away from democratic norms.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The presentation says an individual's trust in government strongly correlates with their last interaction with government. 'In the thousands of daily instances when somebody files a tax return, applies for a grant, renews a passport or receives a vaccine, we are creating experiences that influence their social attitudes and institutional trust,' it says. The document calls for simple, effective strategies to connect with Canadians and 'streamline access to services.' It says public education is essential to countering misinformation and disinformation and calls for measures to improve critical thinking, media literacy and civic engagement. The presentation also says there's a need to 'pre-bunk' emerging falsehoods before they take hold, and to debunk lies through fact-checking. Other ideas studied by federal officials include developing a national digital media literacy strategy, removing financial incentives that contribute to the spread of false information and introducing labelling requirements for artificially generated material. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The registered charity MediaSmarts has been pushing for a federal digital media literacy strategy for more than a decade, said Matthew Johnson, the organization's director of education. 'So it was certainly gratifying to see it mentioned in this document,' he told The Canadian Press. A national strategy would open the door to stable funding for civil society organizations like MediaSmarts, which conducts research, creates educational resources and tries to advance digital media literacy, Johnson said. 'We simply don't have the data that we need to be making decisions about digital media literacy policy,' he said. 'We're one of the only countries that does not have any kind of baseline of how media-literate our citizens are, either young people or adults.' The November presentation also suggests fighting fragmentation by bringing together people from different levels of government and civil society to exchange promising practices and promote a 'better understanding of Canada's diverse foundations and social fabric.' But senior federal officials who discussed social divisions at a meeting last September acknowledged that government itself might be part of the problem. The presentation says the officials recognized 'there is a tension in having the public sector intervene when distrust in public institutions is on the rise.' Canadian Heritage did not answer questions submitted about the November meeting or say whether any of the ideas under consideration would be adopted. Columnists Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Columnists Toronto & GTA
