Protesters rallied for Canadian sovereignty at Parliament Hill on Sunday amid U.S. president Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods and threats to make it a 51st state.
“We’re gathering to send a clear message: Canada is strong, independent, and not for sale,” Elbows Up, Canada! organizers said on the event website.
“Elbows up” — a hockey term referring to when players keep their elbows up when competing for the puck in a corner — has become a rallying cry as Canadians challenge U.S. tariffs.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week that Trump’s trade war is part of an effort to collapse the Canadian economy and “annex us.”
About 1,000 people gathered at the scene, Ottawa police said in a post on X, adding there was no effect on local traffic.
Ottawa mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Canadian comedian Shaun Majumder and former minister of foreign affairs Lloyd Axworthy were among those expected to speak, according to the event’s website.
In two recent appearances on “Saturday Night Live,” comedian Mike Myers — who grew up in Scarborough — was seen mouthing the words “elbows up” as he moved his bent elbow into the air during the end credits.
In the first appearance, Myers also sported a black T-shirt with a Canadian flag and large white lettering reading “Canada is not for sale.”
With files from Kristjan Lautens, Tonda MacCharles and The Canadian Press
