By wa alone and kyaw soe oo
(Reuters) – Donald Trump’s verbal threats to Canada are paying off for one entrepreneur, after the new U.S. president’s belligerent approach gave him an idea.
Liam Mooney, founder of an Ottawa-based design firm, made a hat emblazoned with “Canada is not for sale” in response to Trump’s tariff threats and suggestions that Canada become the 51st U.S. state.
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The hats gained attention after Ontario Premier Doug Ford wore one to a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other premiers in Ottawa last week to discuss the Trump’s vow to impose tariffs on imports from Canada.
According to Mooney, tens of thousands of hats have been ordered online since then.
Mooney told Reuters he designed the hats as a creative rebuttal to President Trump’s rhetoric, aimed at reducing political discourse with a message of nationalism and unity.
“This is an opportunity to bring together people from across civil society, regardless of political persuasion,” Mooney said.
The tariffs would cripple Canada’s economy and also increase the price of oil and other goods in the United States.
Trump is threatening tariffs at a time of political unrest in Canada, with Liberal leader Trudeau expected to resign in March after nearly a decade in power and the opposition Conservatives leading in the polls ahead of a federal election later this year.
Mooney said he and his business partner designed the hats after seeing one of Ford’s recent interviews on Fox News. Host urged prime minister to consider annexation, suggesting it would be a “privilege” for Canada to merge with the United States
Ford responded that Canada was not for sale.
Trump, speaking by video at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, said Thursday he demanded respect from Canada. He previously referred to himself as Trudeau as “Governor.”
“Our sovereignty is threatened when our dignity is lacking,” Mooney said. “We have allies and we have friends all over the world who are willing to step up and stand up for us and stand with us.”
(Reporting by Kyaw Soe OO, writing by WA Lone; Editing by Caroline Stauffer and Nia Williams)
