At its March 24 meeting, Huntsville Council discussed the idea of removing U.S. flags from public spaces and unanimously decided against it.
Community members upset over U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of crippling tariffs on Canadian goods and his suggestion that Canada become another U.S. state prompted ire and a call for the removal of the U.S. flag from Flag Park. Some pointed to the removal of the Russian flag from Flag Park by a previous council, so why not the U.S. flag, they questioned.
The park was erected to commemorate the G8 Summit held in Huntsville in June 2010.
Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock, who was on council when the decision to remove the Russian flag was unanimously approved, said the circumstances are not the same. “Russia was actually kicked out of the G8.” She said it made the decision much easier because they were no longer part of the G8.
Alcock said while she understands the anger, despair, and grief surrounding the U.S. tariffs, it is important to keep the flag up. “I think it’s important that we actually keep the flag up at G8 park because I know everybody uses this particular line that was used by a former first lady and that was: ‘when they go low, we go high,'” said the mayor.
“A flag doesn’t represent the government of the country; it represents the people of the country… their government is doing unethical things right now, but they haven’t killed anybody yet, and I don’t think it’ll get to that; I hope not,” said Councillor Monty Clouthier. He said that, in the long run, Trump’s actions will make Canada a stronger country. “We are going to end up building our pipelines now… become more self-sufficient, I can see that happening in this country. So what he’s doing is helping us in the future. It’s going to be a lot of growing pains, but I think in the long run, it’s going to work.”
Councillor Cory Clarke said his biggest concern is that the country seeing a permanent shift in the way the U.S. deals with Canada, a shift that could have long-lasting implications. “I fully support reviewing our procurement policies and contracts. As a Town, we should definitely not be sourcing or purchasing goods from the U.S. wherever possible.” He said his issue with removing the flag is that the park was created to remind the community of a historic event that took place in Huntsville. “And the park, in my opinion, is a reflection of our town’s history.” He said he wasn’t on council when the decision was made to remove the Russian flag, “but I can tell you I don’t like the idea of altering historical displays in Huntsville…” He said he would be open to having a conversation about the removal of U.S. flags from the arenas, “but only if we put the flags back when a U.S. team comes in to visit, and that would be out of respect for that visiting team,” he said.
Councillor Helena Renwick said what the U.S. is doing is not what the Russians have done. “If they’re imposing tariffs on us, that is not illegal, and it’s not an aggression of war. It’ll affect us economically, but at this point, I would not be in favour of removing the American flag… we don’t have a beef with the American people, we have an issue with the administration and the government,” she said, adding that she would not be in favour of removing any flags because Canada has enjoyed a good relationship with its neighbours.
Councillor Dione Schumacher said she, too, would not be in favour of removing U.S. flags. She said when she saw the flag alongside the Canadian flag at the Canada Summit Centre it was nice to see. “We have been neighbours and countries that have supported each other in the past.” She said there are probably still Canadian snowbirds in the U.S. and friends she went to school with who now live there. She said the two countries are closely connected, and people who come to the community from the U.S. on a regular basis should still feel welcomed. “We need to be a welcoming community, and I would not want to see us take that flag down. Granted, if he does go in and invade Greenland as he said, I will climb up that pole myself and take it down, although I did not do well in rope climbing…” she quipped.
Councillor Scott Morrison said the majority of people who he has heard from on the issue believe the flag should not be removed. He said he has talked to business owners in the community, and “they’ve had a rough go through COVID, they might have a rough go with the tariffs— the last thing we want to do is add another reason for someone not to come to town and spend money in their business, and I have a real hard time taking a flag down because we feel it sends a message and not thinking of the financial implications to these people,” he said. Morrison also said there are seasonal residents who pay taxes in the community, are from the U.S., and help pay for infrastructure such as the arena. “If I thought this message would ever get to Trump and Vance and the enablers down there, I’d say let’s do it. He said at first he too was outraged and wanted the flags down, “but it really isn’t a race to the bottom for our moral values… I think we need to band together with the good people and not throw away hundreds of years of a relationship that existed strong.”
Councillor Bob Stone said he does not agree with booing the U.S. anthem during hockey games nor taking down U.S. flags at this point. “There could be things in the future that would precipitate that but for now, I think we could be proud Canadians with just doing what we do.”
Councillor Jason FitzGerald agreed with respect to booing the U.S. anthem. “I think it’s disrespectful and childish almost… I would never do that,” he said. “I think there’s a lot of good people that are caught up in a few people making poor decisions and should we punish them for that or disrespect them for that? I don’t think so,” he said, adding that the flags should be left alone.
Deputy Mayor Dan Armour reminded councillors that this isn’t the first time that Trump implements tariffs. “Did we take the flags down then? No. I don’t know if it’s the media that’s doing it to us this time, that’s pushing it or what’s so different but anyhow, I really respect everybody around this table.”
Alcock did note that Trump had not spoken about Canada becoming the 51st state in the past, which is making people angry. She reiterated that the issue is not with the people.
Council unanimously agreed to leave the flags, and many reiterated the need to find unity rather than division at this critical moment, particularly following the lessons learned from the division that occurred during the pandemic.
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Time to take a stand! | Letters
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Take the dam flag down
Our municipal representatives have made thoughtful remarks. It is much appreciated. If this POTUS is such a POS, don’t rise to his aggression!
Like Mr. Armour, I feel bewilderment over our collective anger. However, I don’t think it makes sense to normalize conspiracy theory. Anger at America isn’t some ploy by mass media. It is a case of “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” In 2017 we applied the precautionary principle to the POTUS’s methods. Now, the same actions are evidence of a pattern: American voters chose the same POTUS, and the POTUS targets Canada. We apply the discounting principle: Action is necessary, or we are fools.
We all need to cease defending the POTUS or American voters with apologist rhetoric. “Not ALL Americans–” The sad fact is, the USA is struggling, and its easier for them to discipline a straw-man than to discipline themselves.
All good people hope the anger will dissipate when the trade war ends; but if the initial conditions aren’t fixed, this mind-boggling culture-shift will worsen in the next crisis. It is fuelled by the internet: a result of an increasing digital isolation of every citizen.
So what needs fixing in Canada?
1) The rising cost-of-living;
2) The monopoly of our major trade partners; and
3) The digital isolation of our citizens.
Those are our targets. Not tax credits for temporary relief.
I’m not alone when I say we appreciate that our representatives are doing the best they can.
Oh, and by the by. Let me assure you; Trump is not “…looking after his people.” He’s destroying their lives. He’s putting fear into every citizen. He’s dismantling DEI. He’s taking down monuments. He’s erasing history. Citizens can longer speak out without retribution. There’s more. Trump and his cronies are all about keeping the rich, rich and making the rich richer. He’s all about being a dictator and eroding democracy. Sadly, he’s close to his vision.
When an Idaho teacher is told to take down a poster re Everyone Is Welcome Here – that’s a few steps back in progress. Sad. Scary.
I’m disappointed that the “things” Trump is doing right now is only viewed as being “unethical.’ ‘So far, they haven’t killed anybody yet.” “And, I don’t think that it will get to that.” Hmm . I have swampland I can sell you.
There have been documented incidences of people being illegally and inhumanely deported. There are incidences of people ‘disappearing’. They end up in hellhole prisons and their families can’t locate them. Trump has pardoned the insurrectionists of January 6. A police officer trying to respond, had his head cracked open and is now permanently brain damaged. Killing means the person’s life is ended. But, a brain damaged police officer’s quality of life (and others who were brutally attacked) is diminished as we know it. So, killing is pretty much on the table for this administration. And let’s not forget all of the horrific slashes Trump has made, with more to come. He doesn’t care one iota about the U.S. citizens or anybody else.
Trump and his cronies’ actions are abhorrent, cruel, heartless, vile, despicable. Let’s call a spade a spade.
Unethical is an understatement!
As for taking down the U.S. flag- leave it up for now. There are millions of Americans who didn’t vote this monster into office. I belong to a number of FB groups both U.S. Canadian, and European. These U.S. citizens who didn’t vote for DT are suffering. They are sad, frightened, apologetic to Canadians (even though they didn’t vote this monster into office). Some can’t sleep, some can’t eat, some can’t function. They are extremely supportive of Canadians. Some will visit Canada this summer. They are leery as to how they will be treated. Let’s treat them with respect. Let’s be a Zelenskyy. We are kindhearted and welcoming of everyone (well, not DT et al – I draw the line at that).
Don’t take down the flag – yet….
But consider lowering it to half mast if the Americans continue their disparagement.
Let’s hope that it doesn’t become necessary to remove it entirely – at least temporarily – if absolutely required!
There shouldnt even had to have been a decision. USA flag should always be flown. Trump is looking after his people. We pay tariffs to china for years and nobody complains. Out west they pay millions in tariffs. People dont know what is going on in our own Country.
Half mast in all due respect!
I find it very upsetting that our town council doesn’t have the fortitude to take down the American flag to show Mr. Trump we are tired of his talk of taking over Canada. If any other country came out and told the world they are going to take over Canada, would they be considered a terrorist? What is the difference with Trump? It may be true that the flag is a symbol for the American People but when the leader of those people has basically declared economic war on us, that is terrorism plain and simple.
Okay, I need to say off the start the US is puling a play right out of Russia’s handbook on how to invade a country!! Threaten Annexation then go to War!! oops I meant to say apply Tariffs!! Come on enough is enough we need to grow a spine the Red, White & Blue no longer represents the American people just a gang of Bullies who are attacking every thing from Women’s rights, Race elimination to Gay rights. Maybe a compromise and put the flag at half staff to morn the lose of a once great neighbor who is actually picking fights with everyone in the playground (which I believe is a distraction of what the band of Bullies true agenda is) just saying
I feel much better, my rant brought my blood pressure down Lol!!
The US has declared economic war on Canada. The US president has repeatedly expressed his interest in taking over Canada and making it a 51st state.It’s disappointing that the leaders of our small town don’t have the courage to do the right thing and take that US flag down at least until this is over. It speaks volumes.
My question is what does it take to remove the US flag? Do we need to see tanks coming over the border?
So much for elbows up.
You have all lost my vote in the next election
OK. I’m glad it was discussed.
I’m very disappointed with council’s flag decision .
Again it’s all about the money. Tourist and tax money.
It’s our “wait and see attitude” and being too complacentment that has made us appear as a weak country when it comes to threats from the American government.
You say: nobody has been invaded or killed yet. So until that happens it’s OK to fly their flag?
What about the slow death of our hard working Canadians who have already lost their jobs and can’t afford the groceries a few months ago they could.
How many Canadian flags to you see in your travels to the USA states? I have traveled to many of them and they are few and far between.