One Vancouverite took matters into their own hands
The contentions of Donald Trump’s looming threats are starting to hit too close to home for Vancouverities. In a sign of resistance and Canadian autonomy, Ivanhoe Pub had adorned its exterior with a Canadian Flag with the words “Never 51st” in bold lettering. The owner of the pub, Nabahat, said that the flag had garnered positive reactions from the public, a sign of unity against Trump’s increasing appetite to “redraw” the Canadian/American border. Further, he noted that even American guests were taking pictures of and voicing their support for the flag’s message.
The Flag in its original state, Ivanhoe Pub, Facebook
However, a stark message was sent when the owner discovered on the morning of March 11th that a large chunk of the flag, the part that said “51st”, had been cut out of the flag overnight. The flag was hung high enough that the vandal would have had to mount a ladder to reach it. Nabahat told news outlets that he was “really shocked… [he] just wanted to show his dislike of what’s happening south of the border.” Though the flag was intended to be a light gesture, he hopes that Canadians will take its message seriously.
The flag after being vandalized, CTV News
Though disappointing, this act of protest should not come as a complete surprise. Tensions between the neighbouring nations are reaching historic heights. A sense of unity has rippled through Canada, with movements encouraging consumers to buy Canadian products and rethink American travel plans. Whether American citizens (and politicians) understand the gravity of repercussions their way or not, U.S. institutions are sounding the alarms. The U.S. Travel Association is cautioning that even a 10% decrease in Canadian tourism could result in a $2.1 billion of lost revenue, as well as jeopardize 14,000 jobs.
A temporary solution, Ivanhoe Pub, Facebook
Despite the odd pro-Trump Canadian or member of “Maple Leaf MAGA” as coined by TikTok, Canadians are not deterred by the challenges in front of them. This includes Nabahat, who plans to have the same message painted onto the bricks of the pub.
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