As steep tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump pressure Canada’s economy, a renewed sense of national pride is sweeping across the country.
Canadians are raising the national flag, shopping local and for one Ontario company, crafting a symbol of unity.
For The Best Muskoka Chair Company in Kemptville, Canadian pride isn’t just a sentiment, it’s part of the company’s 70-year identity.
“It’s being a proud Canadian and being able to manufacture a product from our hands,” said owner, Francois Bruneau, whose father passed down the business.
“To be able to ship our products around the world, for me, it’s an honour.”
The company, which handcrafts Muskoka chairs of all sizes in wood and composites, has seen a recent surge of interest for a chair featuring a maple leaf carved into the backrest.
“A lot of our creations and ideas come from our customers from all over the world and the creation of this chair was for Canadians,” said vice president of sales, Dina Elatawy.
“This chair, symbolizes hope, unity and love for each other. It symbolizes Canada and its rich, beautiful country.”
Last week, Elatawy posted a picture of the quintessentially Canadian cottage chair to the website Made in Canada, which highlights domestic businesses and products. She says within days, nearly 10,000 people viewed the chair and inquiries to purchase the product have rolled in.
“We didn’t expect that. We just thought, ‘let’s give something to Canadians, let’s give something back to Canada’ and this chair came back roaring,” said Elatawy.
“We hope this chair will bring more unity, more hope, from this all Canadian-made product.”
Across the country, Canadians are embracing their national identity. Throughout many neighbourhoods, more red and white flags are being raised and displayed.
“I want to let our community know, our neighbours know, that I’m proud to be a Canadian,” said Kemptville resident, Daryl Johnson, who has hung a large flag to her fence, facing the street.
“There’s a few of us that always do flags for Canada Day, but this is the first time I’ve seen so many flags out at this time of year. I don’t like what’s going on with our next-door neighbour.”
Petra Thoms at World of Maps in Ottawa says demand for Canadian flags has surged.
“Right now, the Canada flag is very popular. I’ll tell you today we received a box with a new shipment of flags and we already have another shipment due to arrive before Friday,” said Thoms.
“Everyone that comes in is very happy to display the Canadian flag proudly.”
Elatawy says the growing show of patriotism and added support is encouraging amid economic uncertainty.
“We’re very hopeful,” she said. “And as Canadians, we can grow, we can be strong and we’ll get through this.”
