Transcona Ward councillor calls for removal of American flags at Winnipeg City buildings
Posted March 4, 2025 3:52 pm.
Last Updated March 4, 2025 3:56 pm.
In a letter to the Mayor’s office on Monday, Transcona Ward councillor Russ Wyatt called for the removal of the American flag from any city-owned building.
Wyatt said in his letter that while the request comes with a “heavy heart,” he is doing so in light of continued remarks made by American President Donald Trump suggesting that Canada should become the 51st State.
“[It’s] deeply insulting to our proud, independent nation. Our country has a long history of being an independent, free, and sovereign nation and such statements represent an insult to every Canadian, past and present,” read the letter from Wyatt.
Wyatt added that Trump’s tariffs and the potential to threaten Canada’s economic security is also alarming.
The councillor didn’t limit his request there. He added in his letter, “Moreover, the recent public humiliation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has shown remarkable courage in defending his country’s independence in the face of an unprovoked Russian invasion, cannot go unaddressed. The American president’s statements, which echo Russian propaganda about President Zelenskyy, are dangerous and misleading. Zelenkyy is a democratically elected leader, and his efforts to defend democracy are in direct alignment with the values we hold dear in Canada.”
Wyatt said this is important, as the Ukrainian community holds a significant part of Winnipeg’s identity.
“I believe it is important to stand in solidarity with them, as well as with the people of Ukraine. The American president’s threats to cut military aid to Ukraine — despite the historical commitment made by the U.S. to ensure Ukraine’s security — are deeply troubling.”
The councillor added that “it is crucial in times like these that we take a stand, as messages need to be sent, not only to the American people but also to our allies around the world.”
