Ontario Premier Doug Ford made a striking statement on Wednesday with a bold fashion choice that sent a clear message to those eyeing closer U.S.-Canada ties. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, speaking to reporters in Ottawa before a pivotal meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, made a statement with a navy cap featuring the bold words “Canada is not for sale” in bold white letters.
The hat’s design drew immediate comparisons to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s famous “Make America Great Again” slogan. The timing of Ford’s message was significant, coming amid heightened concerns over potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and discussions about the future of the border between the two nations.
“This is about standing up for everyday Canadians,” Ford stated when asked about his headwear. The premier’s choice of words and attire underscored the ongoing tension surrounding U.S.-Canada trade relations.
The hat’s origins trace back to Ottawa-based branding firm Jackpine Dynamic Branding. Co-founder Liam Mooney revealed that the idea was sparked during a TV interview featuring Ford on Fox News. During the segment, the host suggested that Canada joining the U.S. would be a “privilege,” a comment that didn’t sit well with Mooney and his partner.
“We thought, no way. It’s a privilege to be Canadian,” Mooney explained. The slogan was born out of that sentiment, intentionally mimicking the iconic MAGA branding while delivering a distinctly Canadian message.
Jackpine quickly turned the idea into reality, creating a website and partnering with Shopify to handle merchandising. The initiative caught the attention of Ford’s staff, who reached out to secure a hat for the premier in time for his meeting with Trudeau.
“From concept to being on Ford’s head took just one week,” Mooney said, adding that the response had been overwhelmingly positive. By Wednesday afternoon, sales of the hats had already generated tens of thousands of dollars, thanks to the exposure from Ford’s appearance.
Despite the commercial success, Mooney stressed that the project is about more than profits.
“This is a small act of patriotism,” he said. “Regardless of political affiliation, we want Canadians to feel pride in their country and have a way to express it. Canada is a unique and remarkable nation, and that’s worth standing up for.”
Currently, the hats are made in Vietnam and Bangladesh, but Jackpine is working to establish a fully Canadian supply chain with unionized labor. Mooney believes this move will further reinforce the message of supporting Canadian workers and industries.
“We want people to wear this hat and feel a sense of pride in Canada,” Mooney concluded. “It’s about making a statement that resonates with all Canadians.”
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