Latest news with #NationalFlagofCanadaDay
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Decades after a PM got pied, the threat landscape in Canadian politics has changed
OTTAWA – When Prime Minister Jean Chrétien got hit in the face with a pie 25 years ago, the only thing hurt was his pride. A quarter-century later, Canada's security landscape has changed radically. Threats of violence against politicians have become far more common. What seemed like a harmless prank then looks more like a warning now. 'There is this view that you're a politician, it's all fair game,' said Catherine McKenna — who was herself the target of multiple threats of violence while she served as a federal minister. 'We need people to go into politics and not feel threatened. It's literally about the health of our democracy because if you want people to go into politics, you can't expect that they're going to put up with this and their families are going to put up with it.' Documents released by the Privy Council Office show that the volume of threats made against the prime minister and cabinet ministers has exploded in recent years. A chart shows that there 40 threats against the prime minister and his cabinet were recorded in 2021. That number rose to 91 in 2022, 236 in 2023 and 311 in 2024. The PCO document reports that 11 threats specifically targeting then-prime minister Justin Trudeau were recorded in 2021. The following year saw 25 threats against the PM reported. In 2024, Trudeau was the target of 212 threats, the document shows. Between 2021 and 2024, the Privy Council document shows that Trudeau was the subject of 90 threats of death. The document says the 2024 statistics cover the period between January 1 and July 17. While McKenna said most of the threats against her emerged online, she was famously singled out for very public abuse during her 2015 to 2021 cabinet career — once while walking with her children outside a movie theatre. 'It's just happening all the time and at all levels,' she said. 'I can't talk to a politician without them giving me a story about what has happened, and often women, especially racialized, Indigenous members of the LGBTQ2+ community. 'You just don't know … probably 99 per cent of (threats) are nothing. It just only takes one person … I don't think you can fool around with this.' The P.E.I. pie incident happened on Aug. 16, 2000, while Chrétien was visiting an agricultural exhibition in Charlottetown. As the prime minister entered the building and began shaking hands with people, a man in the crowd went up to him and pushed what appeared to be a cream-topped pie into his face. As a shocked-looking Chrétien peeled off the pie plate and wiped his face, the man — who had attempted to flee — was stopped by police. While the RCMP acknowledged that the incident shouldn't have happened, it wasn't the first such security breach during Chrétien's time as prime minister. In 1996, Chrétien grabbed a protester by the chin and neck and pushed him aside during a National Flag of Canada Day event — the incident that later became known as the 'Shawinigan Handshake.' A year before, Chrétien's wife Aline came face-to-face with an intruder who had managed to break into the prime minister's official residence in Ottawa armed with a knife. Michele Paradis, the RCMP assistant commissioner in charge of protective policing, said police have to strike a 'difficult balance' between keeping officials safe and allowing them access to the public. 'Because, really, if MPs, ministers of the Crown are not going out to meet with their constituents, that has an impact on our very democracy,' she said. 'My role is to make sure that our members and our principals are equipped with not only the physical tools to stop that, but also the mental acuity to be able to say something is not right,' Paradis said, adding that Mounties were quick to bring down someone who got too close to Trudeau at a parade in Montreal in 2019. Paradis said the threat landscape has calmed down somewhat since the recent change of government. If an official is threatened online, she said, Mounties will pay the person levying the threat a visit to determine whether they have the capacity to act on it, or if there is a mental health issue at play. Paradis said the RCMP works with government officials, the House of Commons, constituency offices and security officers for various ministers to complete risk assessments. 'I think we've got a better sense of the picture of what's going on,' Paradis said. There have been several recent efforts to boost security measures for elected officials. In 2024, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme asked the government to consider drafting a new law that would make it easier for police to pursue charges against people who threaten elected officials. Around the same time, former public safety minister Marco Mendicino called for the creation of 'protective zones' around political constituency offices to shield members of Parliament and their staff. McKenna said she'd like to see an independent protective service created specifically to protect the prime minister and other federal officials. She said she'd like to see the government pass online harms legislation and hold social media companies accountable for the threats posted on their platforms. McKenna said politicians also need to stop launching personal attacks on each other in order to generate social media clips. 'The problem is when they get personal, then it's easy for people to basically dehumanize people,' she said. 'It means that it's OK to say terrible things about people and … it's OK to go up to them and shout at them in the street and threaten them.' When asked if more security measures are needed, Paradis said she and most police officers 'work within what we have now' and adapt when things change. Rob Huebert, a professor in the department of political science at the University of Calgary and director of the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies, said the 'near assassination' of U.S. President Donald Trump last year demonstrates that, even today, a determined assassin can still get close to a politician. 'On so many of these events, you can try to have metal detectors, you can try to have pre-screening, but it's impossible to ever try to achieve 100 per cent security … the threat of an assault on a political leader is one of those constants,' he said. 'The threat is always there.' Huebert cited the example of the so-called 'Toronto 18' terrorism plot, exposed in 2006, which was to involve a series of public attacks to convince the federal government to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. He said the fact that there have been no successful attacks on Canadian government officials could be the result of improved security — or it could be because no one else has tried. Chris Mathers, a retired RCMP officer and president of a consulting and investigative firm, said the 2000 pie incident shows how Chrétien 'didn't stay in the box' — meaning he often strayed from the protective perimeter provided by his security detail. Trudeau, he said, 'always stayed in the box,' perhaps because, as the son of a prime minister, he grew up aware of threats against politicians. 'If you stay in the box, there's a lot less chance that you're going to be confronted by somebody with a pie or a knife or a gun or a bomb,' Mathers said. Mathers said 'the world is changing' and that people are now 'a lot more aggressive and will do and say things that they wouldn't in the past.' 'The problem is that we've started to degrade into a very permissive society and inappropriate behaviours are almost considered to be courageous in some areas,' he said. 'So yes, security around public figures has increased, just as a result of the changing social environment.' — With files from Jim Bronskill This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 15, 2025.
CBC
17-02-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Flag Day supporters hold impromptu St. John's rally despite 110 km/h winds
A determined group of people in St. John's held a small Flag Day rally over the weekend that really blew the others away. Despite the cold temperatures and 110 km/h winds, Krista van Nostrand stood atop Confederation Hill on Feb. 15 holding the Canadian flag with strength and pride. The National Flag of Canada Day felt more important to her this year given tensions with the U.S., and inspired her to organize the impromptu rally. Saturday marked the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag, with similar rallies held across the country. Strong winds can't stop these Canadian Flag Day supporters 2 days ago Duration 0:33 An Environment Canada weather alert for St. John's warning of winds with speeds up to 110 km/h didn't stop a small group from gathering to celebrate Flag Day on Saturday. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey called for Canadians to wave the "Maple Leaf high," in a post on social media. "With Canada facing unfair economic threats from the U.S., this is a moment to stand together. Fly it, wear it, post it — let's show our pride," said Furey. Furey wasn't alone, as 5 former prime ministers also wrote a letter asking Canadians to fly the flag as a display of national pride in response to Trump's rehtoric about tariffs and annexation. "In the face of threats and insults from Donald Trump, Canadians have come together to express their love for our country and their determination to defend Canada's values and our independence," wrote Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin and Stephen Harper. Time to stand and be counted When van Nostrand saw the prime ministers' letter, she expected there to be a rally of support in St. John's. When she saw there wasn't anything planned, she decided to organize it herself. "I have no idea how to make something like this happen, and this is way outside my comfort zone. But it is time to stand and be counted," wrote van Nostrand in a Facebook post. Van Nostrand said she knows a lot of people are upset, worried and angry, so she thought it was important to gather and wave the flag. "There's just so much aggression in the world, and things seem to be heading into the worst possible direction. So, it's time to stand up and be counted — if you can stand up in the wind," she said while gripping onto her flag against the wind gusts. Jim Dinn, MHA of St. John's Centre, also joined van Nostrand's rally to show solidarity with the rest of the country, and "stand united in the face of any threat to our sovereignty." Before the winds became too strong, forcing them to go, the group sang O Canada together and shared their pride for the country, as well as some hot chocolate from Tim Horton's to warm up from the -16 wind chills.
CBC
15-02-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Flags fly off store shelves in Ottawa as Trump's comments fuel wave of patriotism
Local stores are struggling to keep up with skyrocketing demand for Canadian flags as U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated threats against Canada have fuelled a surge in patriotism — just in time for National Flag of Canada Day. "I haven't seen Canadian flags sell like this," said Brad Green, owner of World of Maps on Wellington Street in Ottawa. Amid U.S. threats, the store has sold hundreds of flags and has had to restock to keep pace with sales. "Anything to do with a Canada flag is very popular," Green said. "When we ran out just this morning, we started printing flags on paper or on plastic, just to keep up." For some Canadians, flying the flag is more than an expression of national pride — it's an act of defiance, according to Carmen Celestini, a religious studies lecturer at the University of Waterloo. "I think that this year, of all years, this is an opportunity for Canadians to say we won't back down to this bully," she said. The patriotic response goes beyond flag-waving, with many Canadians choosing to show their frustration through economic decisions, Celestini said. "We're visualizing our pride of being Canadian through the flag, but we're also doing it with our wallets, by not traveling to the United States," she said, adding that consumers are also seeking out Canadian-made products. She believes the surge in flag sales is about more than a single event — it's about sending a message. Here's what a few residents in the city had to say about why they're buying and hanging up a flag. Erika Piper I heard about National Flag day on the radio so my husband and I decided to get one. The flag represents the sovereignty of Canada. Despite not being born in Canada, I really feel Canadian. Right now, I feel that our freedom, our sovereignty is being threatened. It's an upsetting situation but it feels good to see all of these flags out. Basically all Canadians are on board with this. Sue Gibb I grew up on a dairy farm near the Trenton air base in Quinte West, watching planes fly overhead and dreaming of joining the military. I served for 11 years to give back to this land and its people. I'm a really proud Canadian. I remember seeing the Red Ensign in school before Canada adopted its flag. When the new maple leaf flag appeared in our classroom, I thought, there's nothing like it anywhere else in the world. I fell in love with it, just as I already loved this country. For years, I've displayed a Canadian flag on my apartment balcony and am happy to see others take part. Now retired, I run a small business from home, and the flag helps guide customers to the right location. Jacques Drolet It's important to stand up, so I came out to buy a Canadian flag today. It's a way for me to stand up for my country in a peaceful, strong and symbolic way. When you travel and mention you're Canadian, everyone welcomes you. There's a reason for that. Beatriz Osorio I have immense respect and gratitude for Canada. I moved here from Colombia 23 years ago, and this country provided everything I needed to succeed — my career, my son, and a supportive community where I truly identify with Canadian values. Displaying the flag is my way of showing how much I care about this country and its identity. It symbolizes that — regardless of political views, race, or gender — we are all part of Canada. Speaking out about buying Canadian products and choosing to travel within Canada instead of the U.S. not only supports the economy but also demonstrates our unity — something we need now more than ever.
Associated Press
15-02-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Statement by the Prime Minister on National Flag of Canada Day
OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 15, 2025 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Flag of Canada Day: 'Sixty years ago today, the Canadian flag was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill. From First Nations who used the maple tree for its sweet sap and wood to its sightings on helmets and coins in the 19th century and for generations ever since – the maple leaf has long been an emblem of Canadian identity and unity. 'The maple leaf has stood centre-stage throughout Canadian history. It has been emblazoned on the uniforms of our Armed Forces members – from the beaches of Normandy to the battlefields of Afghanistan. It has flown over buildings and courthouses, at schools and libraries, and at diplomatic missions around the world. It has been adorned by backpackers and hoisted on top of Olympic podiums. It has been launched into space and carried to the highest point on Earth. It is carved on the headstones of the service men and women who gave their lives for our country, and it is draped over them when they are laid to rest. 'The flag symbolizes Canada's breathtaking beauty – the white of winter snow and the red of autumn maple leaves. It exemplifies our dreams and sacrifices; our hard work and our unyielding ambition to grow. It is an invocation of pride for Canadians who have hailed from every corner of the globe to forge a nation with a unique identity worth embracing and celebrating. And it is an inspiration to those who come to our shores seeking a brighter tomorrow. 'It has been the honour and privilege of my life to serve Canadians under this flag. Over these past nine years, I have seen Canadian excellence on every street corner that I have visited. At every embassy and Armed Forces base. At every small business and hockey arena. Reflecting on the past few weeks, I have never been more optimistic about the future of our country. Canadians are unflinchingly resilient. Our love for our country is unwavering. And while we are kind and generous, we will never be pushed around. When our backs are up against the wall, we will always stand for Canada and choose Canada. We are a proud, sovereign, and independent country – and we always will be. 'On this National Flag of Canada Day, I invite Team Canada – all 41-million strong – to celebrate the promise of the maple leaf and to proudly wave our flag. Let's keep writing Canada's enduring story. Let's make our country better and fairer, with unity, diversity, and prosperity. Let's stand together, work together, and grow together, as the true north, strong and free.'
Associated Press
15-02-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Statement by Minister St-Onge on the 60th anniversary of the National Flag of Canada
February 15 is National Flag of Canada Day OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our national flag. At noon on February 15, 1965, the brightly coloured maple leaf flag was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill. Since then, this date has become a day dedicated to honouring this world-renowned symbol. Over many decades, our flag has become more than just an emblem. It unites Canadians around the principles of democracy, inclusion and justice that define us. In the past few weeks, an upsurge in national pride and unity has shown that we are unwavering. We will always choose Canada. Our flag also embodies the Canadian excellence that I have seen shine all across the country. In every performance venue and cultural centre, where Canadian artists demonstrate their talents to the entire world. At every museum and festival, where our heritage is celebrated. On every stage and screen, where our creators share the stories that highlight our identity. Our culture is a pillar of our sovereignty and a source of national pride. Reflecting our rich culture, our flag is a powerful symbol of our sovereignty, our resilience and our determination. Seeing it fly high reminds us that we are all part of the same team: Team Canada. More than ever, I invite all Canadians to come together to celebrate 60 years of our national flag, which represents the promise of our future as a country. National Flag of Canada Day website.
