Editor:
I feel as if the meaning of the emblem of Canada, our red and white maple leaf flag, has been tainted by the confusion many people feel when they see the ensign.
Prior to the protests over the various and ever changing mandates in response to the pandemic, the most recognizable symbol of our national identity and unity was the Canadian maple leaf flag. There was a feeling of pride that it brought forth for most people. The mandate protesters may have adopted the use of the maple leaf flag as a brand with all good intentions of having it be synonymous with freedom. However, we have all seen some of the unfortunate exchanges that have resulted from waving the flag as if it was a weapon. Now there is confusion about the meaning that the flag conveys, or is it “convoys”? I hear of folks feeling frightened to display the flag and having to take them down and conceal them for fear of reprisal or mistaken identity. It is as if we have had our flag hijacked and the meaning of it tarnished by this moment in time that will pass and yet the damage will not be easily rectified. I do not believe Lester Pearson had this scenario in mind when he proudly introduced our iconic flag in 1965.
Mary Findlay, Gibsons
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