A canton in Ontario is evolving to remove the American flags permanently affixed municipal facilities, citing increasing tensions with the United States on trade and political relations.
A West Lincoln Council committee voted on Tuesday 4-3 to order the staff to withdraw the flags, although the decision still requires the final approval of the canton council.
During the meeting, coun. William Reilly asked why the American flag remains in place all year round at the West Lincoln Community Center, while the Ontario provincial flag is absent.
“We have an American flag that seems to be fixed in our community center and we do not even have a provincial flag of Ontario which takes place one day a year,” said Reilly.
“I feel disrespectful by our American neighbors. It strikes a nerve that we are here in our country, in our establishment, proudly displaying their flag. »»
While all the members of the canton agreed that they did not want to ban the flag, the majority agreed that it should not be displayed until an American team is visiting.
Country of the Jason Trombetta country, which supported the motion, cited concerns concerning vandalism in other buildings like another factor in the suppression of the flag.
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“If that (the flag) will possibly cause a disturbance or a security problem, because we have suffered damage to the community center, then for the moment, I will support this,” he said.
Reilly, however, supported her post that the problem concerns respect.
“I have no problem with the fact that their flag is raised when their team plays here, but apart from that, the flag must be lowered and stored. I don’t think this has won the right to stay in our establishment 365 days a year, “he said.
The debate continues while cross -border tensions take place not only in politics, but also in sports.
Canada faced the United States on Thursday in a tense hockey match, winning 3-2 in favor of current tensions between the two nations.
Justin Trudeau was quick to respond to Trump’s continuous economic threats, “you can’t take our country-and you can’t take our game,” he wrote on X.
Some advisers have argued that if the American flag should be increased when visiting the American teams, its permanent placement in a canton sends the bad message, especially in the midst of increasing trade tensions.
“Our southern neighbors do not necessarily respect us,” said Reilly. “What’s going on if our relationship is deteriorating more?” He added, before closing the debate.
The final decision on the return of the flag will be made on February 24.
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