On Sunday, protesters gathered in several Canadian cities to voice their opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing remarks about Canada’s sovereignty. These rallies marked a growing backlash against Trump’s rhetoric, particularly his suggestion that Canada might become the 51st U.S. state. Although recent diplomatic talks and softer tariffs have calmed some tensions, Trump’s comments continue to stir emotions across the nation.
In Montreal, hundreds of demonstrators assembled at Mount Royal Park, where they displayed signs emblazoned with maple leaves and fleur-de-lis, sending a clear message: “Hands off!” and “Canada is already great.” The gathering was marked by speeches from artists, politicians, and public figures, including the former head of Doctors Without Borders. They warned of the broader implications that Trump’s policies could have on free speech, democracy, and Canadian independence.
Jonathan Trivisonno, 36, was among the protesters. “The threat to our sovereignty is absolutely insane,” he said, expressing his shock upon hearing Trump’s suggestion of annexation. Trivisonno, who has close ties to the United States through his partner and best friend, emphasized the deep cultural connection between the two countries but stressed the importance of maintaining Canada’s distinct identity. His partner had even created a sign featuring a Canada goose warding off an American eagle.
Other protestors, less restrained, made their feelings clear with more direct messages. One sign cleverly altered the MAGA acronym to read, “Morons Are Governing America,” while another featured a crude middle finger. The crowd waved Canadian and Quebec flags as the rhythm of a nearby snare drum added an almost martial tone to the event.
Alain Saulnier, a renowned Quebec journalist and event organizer, explained the rally’s purpose: “We wanted people to come together and make it clear they don’t want Trump here.” The sentiment of resisting outside interference resonated not only in Montreal but across the country.
In Halifax, hundreds of protesters braved heavy rain to join a rally outside a local convention center. Among them was 66-year-old Debbie Baker, who was attending her first-ever protest. “I’m a proud Canadian, proud Maritimer, proud Nova Scotian, and I’ll be damned if anybody is going to try and take over this country,” she said, her pride and defiance echoing the resolve of many others present.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also joined the Halifax rally, taking the opportunity to shake hands and take photos with protesters as he wrapped up a tour of Atlantic Canada. In Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinew helped organize a “Rally for Canada,” where participants proudly displayed their regional and national pride, sending a unified message: Canada will never be an American state.
The rallies across Canada came on the heels of a nationwide protest in the U.S., where Americans in all 50 states gathered to denounce Trump’s controversial policies. Civil rights groups, labor unions, and LGBTQ advocates voiced their concerns over the president’s administration and its dismantling of government institutions. The protests, collectively named “HandsOff!”, aimed to challenge Trump’s disregard for international boundaries, including his threats to absorb other countries like Canada into the U.S.
The protests also took aim at tech moguls like Elon Musk, whose influence on the U.S. government has been criticized for its potential to undermine democratic processes. A sign in Montreal captured the sentiment perfectly: “Musk + DOGE + cryptos = danger.”
Katia Lelièvre, a vice-president at the Confédération des syndicats nationaux, warned of the totalitarian tendencies creeping into the U.S. political landscape. “When scientists are prevented from doing research, when universities are prevented from teaching, when courts are challenged, when people are fired for blocking policies that don’t look good, it’s not far off,” she said, reflecting growing concerns about the erosion of democratic norms.
Former Quebec culture minister Christine St-Pierre summed up the overarching message of the protests with a resolute declaration: “We won’t be swallowed.”
As these protests unfold, they reflect not only a deep sense of national pride but also a firm commitment to protecting Canada’s sovereignty and democratic values in the face of external threats.
