Fort Frances council is reserving judgment on a request to remove American flags from municipal-owned facilities.
A petition, which also calls for the flags to be replaced by that of Ukraine, was presented in response to U.S. President Trump’s comments on trade, Canadian sovereignty and his actions regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine in recent weeks.
Councillors are split on the issue but have no formal vote
Councillor Steve Maki feels the removal of U.S. flags is a must.
“America is not being very friendly,” says Maki.
“(The) U.S. President has initiated an economic war with tariffs, which is purposely hurting all Canadians. The total disrespect of our nation by calling our Prime Minister a governor and calling Canada the 51st state is repulsive. The President, suggesting we join the U.S. because he is truly concerned about what’s best for all Canadians, is laughable.”
Councillor John McTaggart is not opposed to flying the Ukrainian flag.
While upset with the actions of the Trump Administration, he disagrees with the idea of removing American flags in protest.
“This is a border town. We have, I think, a very good relationship with our neighbouring community I want to try to preserve and maintain that relationship we have,” says McTaggart.
“If we take down our U.S. Flag, they take down their Canadian flag. It’s a tit-for-tat, and really, what’s accomplished and what comes after that. What’s the next thing that happens?”
Councillor Bill Morrison also supports American flags remaining.
He says Fort Frances should continue to welcome its USA friends, family and tourists.
“President Trump doesn’t care if we take our flag down,” says Morrison.
“I worry about offending the American tourists that help support a regional economy.”
Councillor Wendy Brunetta also disagrees with removing the American flags.
‘Being in a border town, and particularly in a border town that relies heavily on American tourism, we certainly don’t want to alienate our American friends who come every year to visit this.,” says Brunetta.
Mayor Andrew Hallikas suggested administration review the issue and report back at a later meeting but failed to attract interest from council to proceed.
