A rally to show Canadian pride and support for the country amid the trade war is coming to Toronto on Saturday.
The rally will begin at 2 p.m. on Nathan Phillips Square, and feature signs, live music and inspiring speeches by some well-known Canadian figures.
‘Elbows Up, Canada!’ organizes non-partisan, family-friendly gatherings across the country to celebrate its culture and show strength and resilience in light of the U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and President Donald Trump’s comments about Canada becoming America’s 51st state.
“People across the country are feeling frustration, concern, and uncertainty, and in times like this, it’s natural for us to want to come together,” ‘Elbows Up, Canada’ organizer Peter Wall told Now Toronto.
Demonstrators last gathered in front of Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Mar. 8. with dozens of attendees carrying supporting signs, waving the Canadian flag and spontaneously singing the national anthem.
“After a great turnout in Ottawa, we’re bringing that energy to Toronto. This isn’t a protest—it’s a statement. It’s about celebrating the values we share and celebrating what makes Canada special,” Wall said.
“Toronto is the heart of the country in so many ways, and gathering here sends a clear message: we’re united, we’re resilient, and we’re proud to be Canadian,” he added.
On Saturday, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow will be attending the rally and launching the city’s “Love Local” initiative to encourage residents to buy Canadian. Both events align with the city’s response to the effects of the tariffs according to a statement released yesterday.
“She represents the spirit of this city—diverse, open, and strong. Having her there shows that standing together isn’t just something individuals care about, it’s something our leaders care about too.”
Among other top voices of the event is South African-Canadian businesswoman Arlene Dickinson who is part of the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-U.S. Relations originally formed by Justin Trudeau that advises the federal government on how its response to the U.S. tariffs and Trump’s administration.
Also attending the rally is Canadian singer-songwriter Jim Cuddy, who recently released “We Used to Be the Best of Friends,” saying the song was inspired by “troubles with our neighbours in The States.”
Joining Dickinson and Cuddy are the Toronto-based band The Get Alongs and Canadian actor and comedian Shaun Majumder.
Wall said that although all speakers are known to be supporters of the movement and contribute to the event in a different way.
“They weren’t chosen for star power alone—they’ve been vocal supporters of Elbows Up and what it stands for. They bring different voices to the stage, but they’re all saying the same thing: we care about this country, and we’re ready to lift each other up.”
‘ELBOWS UP’
The phrase “elbows up” is being recently used by Canadians when responding to Trump’s tariff threats and remarks about Canada becoming an American state.
Originally used in hockey, the expression blew up online after Canadian comedian and actor Mike Myers appeared on Saturday Night Live (SNL) on Mar. 1 wearing a ‘Canada is not for sale’ T-shirt, pointing to his left elbow and mouthing “elbows up” to the camera.
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