Sudden Surge of Fake Patriotism in Pickering

Sudden Surge of Fake Patriotism in Pickering By Lisa Robinson For over six months, I have been advocating for a simple but meaningful change—playing the national anthem before council meetings. I have also pushed for a motion that government buildings should only fly government flags, ensuring that we stand united as Canadians under one national flag, rather than dividing ourselves with symbols that cater to personal ideologies. Yet, despite my efforts, these proposals have been met with resistance from the very people who now drape themselves in the flag, claiming to be the champions of “Team Canada.” What changed? Donald Trump and tariffs. Suddenly, my council—who previously scoffed at these ideas of national unity—has discovered a newfound love for Canada. Councillors who once dismissed patriotism as outdated or exclusionary are now grandstanding about Canadian values, not because they believe in them, but because they see political advantage in aligning themselves with anti-Trump sentiment. And let’s talk about the Mayor's childish behavior here. Mayor Ashe himself told me directly that the reason he refused to move forward with my motion to play the national anthem was “not because of the message, but because of the messenger.” That’s right—he admitted that it wasn’t about whether the idea was good or meaningful—it was about who suggested it. That kind of petty, ego-driven decision-making is not just unprofessional—it’s undemocratic. Now, suddenly, the Mayor is reversing course. Why? Because it fits the new “Team Canada” narrative. He’s not doing this because it’s the right thing to do—he’s doing it because it’s politically convenient. And it’s not just Pickering. The Region of Durham is now also rushing through a procedural bylaw change to play the national anthem before meetings. This isn’t about patriotism—it’s about optics. It’s about riding the wave of anti-Trump sentiment and capitalizing on the idea of national unity for political gain. Let’s be clear—real patriotism is not performative. It’s not about reacting to a news cycle or using Canada’s name as a prop in political theater. It’s about consistent dedication to our country, its principles, and its people. That’s why I proudly brought the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Bill of Rights into our offices. That’s why I have pictures outside my office showcasing my favorite places in Pickering—because I genuinely love this city and this country. That’s why I continue to push for policies that reflect unity, not division. Meanwhile, some councillors continue to treat their offices like personal billboards, displaying flags that do not represent the people of Pickering as a whole, but rather their own political agendas. These same individuals resisted my efforts to establish true symbols of unity—yet now they want to pose as defenders of Canadian interests. The hypocrisy is glaring. Patriotism isn’t a costume you put on when it’s politically convenient. It’s not a temporary reaction to trade disputes. It’s a steadfast commitment to the values that make Canada strong—freedom, unity, and national pride. And no amount of performative flag-waving from my council colleagues will change the fact that their sudden enthusiasm for “Team Canada” is nothing more than a hollow, self-serving act. And if Mayor Ashe and the rest of council truly believe chairing meetings and listening to the public is such a burden, I’ll gladly take that off their hands. I’d happily chair every meeting myself if it means giving the people of Pickering the respect and voice they deserve. That’s real leadership. That’s real service. That’s real patriotism. It’s time we stop pretending this is about unity and start calling it what it is: political theatre. The people of Pickering deserve leaders who stand up for Canada because they believe in it—not because it’s suddenly popular. I am Councillor Lisa Robinson, The People’s Councillor