As threats of imposed tariffs and annexation from U.S. president Donald Trump loom over Canada, one local organization has launched an initiative to create a united front.
Wise Communities, a Stratford organization, has launched Canadians Stand Together: Our True North Strong and Free.
This initiative aims to boost patriotism, call local citizens to action and draw attention to potentially impacted people within the community.
The grassroots organization was founded by resident and musician Loreena McKennitt in 2020.
McKennitt said the new initiative allows citizens to reaffirm their Canadian pride.
“So this is to be educational, it’s to be building solitary, to be inspirational.”
She explains that “this is the time for us all to now rise above our individual differences and come together as Canadians to meet this moment in history.”
“But it’s also to stand back and say well what are the values that Canadians stand for and we’re standing in solidarity with those values.”
On March 1, in Market Square in Stratford, a citizens rally for Canada will be held.
The rally will begin at noon.
Guest speakers and a schedule are to be announced.
The organization has also launched an online store with initiative customized merchandise that includes t-shirts, bumper stickers, lawn signs, water bottles and more.
Profits will be donated to The Local Community Food Centre and United Way Canada.
To learn more, visit wisecommunities.org/canada.
