During the last two weeks of August my husband and I travelled to British Columbia to visit our twin daughters. This time, we decided to visit not only Vancouver and Whistler, but also Vancouver Island, Tofino and the Sunshine Coast.
The majestic rows of mountains, ocean views, silt-filled aqua-blue lakes, towering rainforests and driftwood-covered beaches were as beautiful as we remembered them from our first road trip through The Rockies when the girls were tweens.
One thing I noticed that was decidedly different this time, almost ten years later, was the incredible abundance of Canadian flags!
Canadian patriotism in B.C., and the “elbows up” sentiment were on full and robust display everywhere we looked. And when Canada pulled out of the trade talks with the U.S., we watched with pride as our prime minister stood next to our red-and-white flag and spoke for all Canadians, saying the deal was not fair to Canada and a threat to our sovereignty.
Sovereignty is a word we Quebecers know well. But hearing it used in a Canadian context felt not only accurate but downright emotional.
The Canadian flag and national patriotism are having a moment right now. But should it only be a moment?
Five years ago, I bought a cottage in a small town in western Quebec. One of the first things I noticed about my new neighbours was how many of them proudly flew both Quebec and Canadian flags. I had not seen this before in Quebec, at least not in a very long time.
My husband and I tend to fly our Canadian flags on Canada Day and when Team Canada is playing an important game. But in my cottage town, which is close to Ontario and where everyone speaks French and English, people proudly and happily display both flags. I think it’s time we follow their lead and put up the maple leaf permanently — right next to the fleur de lys. Why do we have to chose one flag over the other?
As proud Canadians and proud Quebecers, we should fly both flags for all to see, including our American neighbours and those who have shamed us into thinking we are being unpatriotic by choosing one sovereignty over another.
We can love and defend both. And together, we will stand up to anyone who thinks they can divide and conquer us and make us lower our flags permanently.
Caroline Van Vlaardingen
CTV Montreal News Anchor