A simple hat bearing the message "CANADA IS NOT FOR SALE" has become a viral sensation in Canada, serving as a bold statement against recent geopolitical tensions. The hat, a creation of Ottawa designer Liam Mooney and his fiancée Emma Cochrane, was crafted in response to a provocative segment on Fox News where Jesse Watters mocked Ontario Premier Doug Ford over former President Donald Trump's threats to annex Canada. The hat's message, conveyed through a uniquely Canadian typeface, quickly captured national attention when Ford wore it during a meeting of regional leaders on Wednesday.
Doug Ford's public display of the hat sparked considerable interest, leading to an immediate surge in online sales. Since Ford's endorsement, the couple has sold more than 5,000 hats, generating over C$400,000 (US$270,000). The design has not only resonated with Canadians but has also crossed borders, with over 150 hats purchased in the United States. According to Mooney, this creative endeavor served as a rebuttal to the Trump administration's aggressive rhetoric.
“It was a small act of patriotism to respond to these big threats and this big bluster.” – Liam Mooney
This sentiment of patriotism was echoed by Catherine McKenna, Canada's former Liberal environment minister, who regarded the hat as a modest yet meaningful gesture in defense of national pride. The hat has garnered praise from various political figures, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, transcending political rivalries. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew humorously remarked on his admiration for the hat and expressed a desire for it to be made in orange.
“Great hat, I hope they make that in an orange” – Wab Kinew
The hat's message stands as a defiant response to threats of tariffs on Canadian goods and services from the Trump administration. This economic tension prompted varied reactions within Canada, particularly in Alberta, where Premier Danielle Smith voiced her opposition to federal plans addressing these potential tariffs.
“Until these threats cease, Alberta will not be able to fully support the federal government’s plan in dealing with the threatened tariffs” – Danielle Smith
Smith further emphasized Alberta's stance against export tariffs, affirming the province's commitment to safeguard Albertans' livelihoods against detrimental federal policies.
“Alberta will simply not agree to export tariffs on our energy or other products, nor do we support a ban on exports of these same products. We will take whatever actions are needed to protect the livelihoods of Albertans from such destructive federal policies.” – Danielle Smith
Ford's approach contrasted with Smith's, as he prioritized national unity over regional disputes.
“That’s her choice. I have a little different theory: protect your jurisdiction but country comes first” – Doug Ford
In his typical forthright style, Ford stressed the importance of standing firm against external pressures.
“You can’t let someone hit you over the head with a sledgehammer without hitting him back twice as hard” – Doug Ford