FEBRUARY 11, 2025 — Canada’s five living former prime ministers have issued a joint statement calling on Canadians to display national unity on Flag Day, responding to what they describe as “threats and insults” from U.S. President Donald Trump, according to the Globe and Mail.
The appeal comes as Canada prepares to mark the 60th anniversary of its national flag on February 15.
“In the face of threats and insults from Donald Trump, Canadians have come together to express their love for our country and their determination to defend Canada’s values and our independence,” the former leaders stated. “As former prime ministers of Canada, we applaud this national spirit. And we call on our fellow Canadians to show the flag as never before.”
The statement was signed by Progressive Conservatives Joe Clark and Kim Campbell, along with Liberals Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin, and Conservative Stephen Harper. Their tenures collectively span from 1979 to 2015.
According to Mr. Clark, Mr. Chrétien was the principal author of the statement and had reached out to the others in recent days to gain their support.
“I was frankly surprised when Jean Chrétien phoned me with this proposal,” Mr. Clark said. “As he was going through it, I realized – and I’ve had my differences with him – that this, in a sense, was Chrétien at his best. And I think that the fact that the rest of us have signed on so unanimously and enthusiastically indicates that it’s the rest of us at our best, and it’s also the country at our best.”
The statement comes amid heightened tensions between Canada and the United States, but Mr. Clark emphasized that the statement was driven by public sentiment rather than political maneuvering.
“This is something that should have been done once, and it has been done,” he said. “Part of its distinction is that it wasn’t planned. It’s not part of a process. One of us thought of it, but it was obviously agreed to by the others. It is a genuine sense of common purpose, not inspired by the leaders, but inspired by the people.”
The former leaders acknowledged their political differences but emphasized their shared commitment to Canada’s sovereignty and identity. “The five of us come from different parties. We’ve had our share of battles in the past. But we all agree on one thing: Canada, the true north, strong and free, the best country in the world, is worth celebrating and fighting for.”
“Let’s show the world that we are proud of our history and proud of our country,” the statement concluded.
