In the face of escalating trade tensions with the United States, an unlikely fashion accessory has emerged as a symbol of Canadian unity and resolve. The “CANADA IS NOT FOR SALE” baseball cap, sported by Ontario Premier Doug Ford at a recent summit of provincial leaders, has gone viral – signaling a cheeky yet firm rebuttal to President Trump’s threats of crippling tariffs on Canadian goods.
A Spirited Riposte to Trumpian Bluster
The red hat, emblazoned with a bold sans-serif font, was the brainchild of an Ottawa design firm. Liam Mooney and Emma Cochrane, the engaged couple behind the cap, said they were inspired to create a “creative rebuttal” after watching a belligerent Fox News segment in which host Jesse Watters taunted Premier Ford about the prospect of Canada being annexed by the US.
It was a small act of patriotism to respond to these big threats and this big bluster.
Liam Mooney, co-creator of the “CANADA IS NOT FOR SALE” hat
The hats, which feature a typeface custom-designed by the couple, quickly caught on after Ford donned one at the premiers’ meeting. Sales skyrocketed, with over 5,000 caps purchased in mere days, netting more than C$400,000 (US$270,000. Notably, over 150 hats were bought by American customers.
Uniting a Nation in Crisis
As Canadian leaders scramble to mount a coordinated response to the looming trade war, the quirky hat has become an unexpected rallying point. Political rivals from across the spectrum have lined up to praise Ford’s fashion choice as a defiant gesture of patriotism.
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly applauded Ford for being a “leader” on “Team Canada”
- Former environment minister tweeted emphatically “I WANT THIS HAT!!!!!!!!”
- Even Ford’s frequent ideological opponent, the progressive Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, expressed his love for the cap
The display of solidarity comes at a critical juncture, as provincial and federal leaders weigh retaliatory measures like blocking energy exports to the US. However, cracks have begun to show, with the oil-rich province of Alberta refusing to back trade countermeasures that could jeopardize its economic interests.
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, Premier of Alberta
Premier Ford, for his part, has warned against internal division, stressing that “country comes first” and vowing to hit back “twice as hard” against any US trade aggression. The stakes couldn’t be higher for Canada, as it faces the prospect of losing privileged access to its largest export market.
More Than Just an Accessory
While a baseball cap may seem a curious choice for a geopolitical statement, the “CANADA IS NOT FOR SALE” phenomenon underscores the unifying power of national pride in times of external threat. By tapping into this deep-rooted sentiment with a dash of humor, the viral hat has become a potent emblem of Canada’s determination to stand its ground.
As trade negotiations unfold and tensions continue to simmer, the defiant red cap serves as a reminder that sometimes the simplest gestures can send the boldest messages. In an era of complex economic entanglements and fractious global relationships, a humble piece of headwear has given Canadians a way to assert their sovereignty with unmistakable clarity: Canada is not, and will never be, for sale.
