A surge in Canadian pride, a boom for local flag maker

Since 1947, Kennedy’s Flags has produced hand sewn flags from a storefront in Erin. While business is always steady, the last few months have seen a massive surge in sales, especially of the Canadian flag.

Typically, sales are slower this time of year. Owner, Tammy Quantrell told The Mike Farwell Show the winter months are when they get busy restocking the shelves in anticipation of spring.

“Most people wait until the weather is nice when they can go out and get to their poll easily to change their flag or even to install a bracket and a pole on their house. But, everyone is feeling very patriotic. They’re proud to be Canadian.”

Quantrell believes there are a number of factors contributing to the surge in patriotism and in-turn flags. She said one of them was the 60th anniversary of the first time the maple leaf flew over Parliament Hill, on Feb 15.

“There was a lot of talk about the Canadian flag and how important it is. I think with everything else going on in the world just made people think they just needed a flag.”

The surge in patriotism really kicked into high gear after Donald Trump was sworn into office on Jan. 20. It was immediately after that he began the talks of annexing Canada while also promising stiff tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S.

The rhetoric has led to Canadian leaders calling for a “Team Canada” approach, encouraging people to buy Canadian and for companies and governments to look at their procurement practices.

It has also led to a renewed sense of pride for those to call themselves Canadians.

Quantrell said flying the red and white is always a good look.

“I don’t necessarily think everyone needs to buy a flag from me,” she said. “But, I think everybody should be a proud Canadian and put out the flag.”