Facing unprecedented challenges to Canada’s economy and sovereignty due to remarks from Donald Trump, federal and provincial leaders have adopted unconventional approaches, including restricting liquor sales and terminating agreements with Tesla.
Among the more unusual responses has been the significant investment in themed headwear.
Early this year, after Trump suggested potential annexation of Canada, an Ottawa company began selling hats emblazoned with the bold statement, “Canada is not for sale.” Shortly after, Ontario Premier Doug Ford—a direct, charismatic figure with strong political instincts—wore the hat during a critical meeting with other premiers and the prime minister. The gesture sparked widespread online demand and briefly united politicians across the spectrum.
However, Ford’s enthusiasm for the hat came at a cost. According to reports from the *Trillium*, the province spent nearly C$300,000 (US$218,000).
Newly released election finance records show that Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Party paid C$278,910.71 to Jackpine Dynamic Branding, the company behind the popular hats, during last spring’s provincial election campaign.
The party also distributed more than 600 hats—purchased at C$23.19 each before the election—to supporters, the *Trillium* reported.
Liam Mooney, co-owner of Jackpine Dynamic Branding with his fiancée Emma Cochrane, told *CuriosityNews* that their goal was to convey a clear, resolute message. “It was a modest but meaningful way to stand up against the escalating rhetoric,” Mooney said.
Their online store initially struggled to handle the surge in orders for the red and navy blue hats, which displayed phrases like “Strong and Free” and “Canada Is Not For Sale,” along with their French equivalents. Despite early production delays, they eventually manufactured the hats domestically and sold tens of thousands.
Ford and his campaign team frequently wore the hats during the February provincial election, which resulted in his government securing a third consecutive majority—an uncommon achievement.
Read next
"TikTok star highlights political power of South Africa's unsung culinary treasures"
Solly’s Corner, a popular eatery in downtown Johannesburg, was busy. Pieces of hake and crisp fries crackled in the fryer, green chillies were chopped, and generous amounts of homemade sauce were spread onto filled sandwiches.
Broadcaster and food enthusiast Nick Hamman stepped behind the counter, where Yoonas and Mohammed
Nazi-looted 18th-century portrait found in Argentina after 80 years
There was nothing particularly unusual about the middle-aged couple living in the low, stone-covered villa on Calle Padre Cardiel, a quiet street in the tree-lined Parque Luro neighborhood of Mar del Plata, Argentina’s most well-known coastal city.
Patricia Kadgien, 58, was originally from Buenos Aires, roughly five hours north.
"An aristocrat hid her Jewish lover in a sofa bed amid daring acts of German resistance to the Nazis"
Resistance in the Shadows: Germans Who Defied the Nazis
Growing up, our home had a steadfast rule: nothing German was permitted. No appliances from German manufacturers in the kitchen, no cars from German automakers in the driveway. The decree came from my mother. She was not a survivor of the