This Wednesday, January 15, the prime ministers of the Canadian provinces went to Ottawa for an emergency meeting with Justin Trudeau and other federal ministers to establish a response plan to the threats of imposition of tariffs customs measures launched by Donald Trump. When Ontario Premier Doug Ford arrived, it was his cap that stole the show.
Also read: Canada’s Response to Trump: A Prime Ministers’ Meeting That Could Have Been an Email?
“Canada is not for sale”, could be read on his hat while the message is intended to be a direct response to the idea of the American president-elect Trump to annex Canada to the States -United as the 51st state.
“I am proud to have worn it this morning to send the message that we must put country first. Every day, Canadians mobilize, united and proud. As the hat says, Canada is not for sale,” Ford wrote on the X platform (formerly Twitter).
The appearance of the Premier of Ontario certainly had an effect, provoking numerous reactions. Many welcomed this counterattack from the politician, who subtly (or not) echoed the famous “Make America Great Again” caps worn by Donald Trump and his supporters.
“I want one.” Bravo to Prime Minister Ford for his unwavering defense of Canada. I have strong political differences with you, but on this key issue, you are on the right track,” this user wrote.
“Loud, very loud,” another person commented.
This significant action by the political leader has certainly rekindled the patriotic flame of many Canadians who now wish to obtain one of these emblematic caps. And it is possible. These are actually sold by the Ottawa company Jackpine which developed the Strong and Free Hat collection.
Strong and Free Hat caps are sold across Canada. Strong and Free Hat
-On their website you can see different models of the cap. It is available in blue or red and there is even a French version where we can read “Canada is not for sale”. These hats retail for $45 and $55 for the 1867 edition.
Les tuques Strong and Free Hat. Strong and Free Hat
To cope with the harsh Canadian winters while displaying the political message, toques are also available for $40. Other options also display the message “Strong and Free.”
Otherwise, you can also get stickers, selling for between $7 and $10.
According to Emma and Liam, the creators of this collection released on January 10, hats are a statement political, but are not affiliated with any party. “Liam and I have pretty different political views in general, so the fact that this affects both of us means something. It’s not about pitting the reds against the blues, but about uniting as Canadians,” says the entrepreneur.
Narcity contacted the company to find out more about the impact of all the excitement over its products and how it is managing the high demand over the past few hours. This article will be updated as soon as a response is received.
One thing is certain, it is that you are likely to see this new trendy accessory on the heads of many people in the coming weeks.
