A patriotic hat worn by Ontario Premier Doug Ford to a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent a clear message to the US market: Canada is not for sale. The navy peaked cap, designed by Jackpine Dynamic Branding, features the slogan “Canada is not for sale” in white block letters, a cheeky riff on the ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan.
A Clear Message from Ontario Premier Doug Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford wore a patriotic hat to a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa on Wednesday, sending a clear message to would-be American expansionists.
The Hat: A Riff on MAGA
The navy peaked cap emblazoned with the words “Canada is not for sale” in white block letters was designed by Jackpine Dynamic Branding. According to Liam Mooney, the company’s founder, the idea came after he heard a Fox News host say it would be a “privilege” for Canada to join the U.S. The design is a cheeky riff on the “Make America Great Again” slogan popular among supporters of president-elect Donald Trump.
A Small Act of Patriotism
Mooney described the venture as a “small act of patriotism” rather than a money-making scheme. Despite making tens of thousands of dollars in sales, he emphasized that the goal is to promote pride in Canada and encourage people to feel like they can make a statement. The hats are currently made in Vietnam and Bangladesh, but Jackpine is scrambling to establish an entirely Canadian supply chain that will involve unionized labour.
Ford’s Message
When asked about his choice of headwear, Ford said it was about “everyday Canadians standing up for the country.” He received the hat from Ottawa’s Jackpine Dynamic Branding and later thanked the company on X. The design clearly evoked a message of resistance to US expansionism, and Ford’s decision to wear it was seen as a bold statement by those who feel that Canada is not for sale.
A Response to Threats
Trump has recently threatened to impose a tariff on all Canadian goods and has mused about using “economic force” to “get rid” of the border between the two countries. Ford’s hat can be seen as a response to these threats, with the slogan “Canada is not for sale” serving as a clear message that Canada will not be intimidated or bullied into submission.
A Canadian Response
Mooney said he and his partner were inspired by the idea of promoting patriotism and encouraging people to feel like they can make a statement. The hats have been a success, with tens of thousands of dollars in sales generated largely due to Ford’s endorsement. However, Mooney emphasized that the goal is not to make money but to promote Canadian pride and unity.
- yahoo.com | Ford sends U.S. a clear message with patriotic hat
- ca.news.yahoo.com | Ford sends U.S. a clear message with patriotic hat
