» Elbows Up, Canada stages rally at Nathan Phillips Square

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It’s time for Canadians to put their elbows up in support of Canadian sovereignty.

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That was the message hundreds of attendees heard Saturday afternoon during a rally held by Elbows Up, Canada at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto.

The grassroots movement, which staged its first rally on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on March 9, was organized in response to U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly insisting that Canada become the 51st state.

Peter Wall, one of the people volunteering their time to organize the rallies, said Canadians are feeling a mixture of frustration, concern and anger.

“And when you’re feeling that, it’s great to come together and stand together and to be together for our country, which is why you are all here I think,” Wall said.

He said the Elbows Up, Canada co-organizers are guided by core values including their belief in Canada and being non-partisan. They also believe in hope, optimism, respect, and action.

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“We want you all to leave today feeling energized and feeling together and ready to channel that energy and that frustration and concern that you’ve been feeling into doing something.”

Wall said Canadians should stand firm with their fellow neighbours and be polite when people feel anger.

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The event was put together not as a protest but as a statement, Wall added.

“A statement that Canada is strong, Canada is united, and Canada is worth standing up for,” he said.

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Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said the U.S. President underestimated the resolve of Canadians when he launched a trade war to begin his second term in office.

“He doesn’t know that Toronto is a city of people from all over the world who have fled harder times,” Chow said. “Whether it is war, famine, persecution, we … start over again, often with nothing. It is this resilience, this spirit, that is the building block of our city and our country.”

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Singer and TV personality Tara Slone said crisscrossing Canada while part of a band and for Sportsnet’s Hometown Hockey broadcasts made her realize that communities want to take care of their neighbours.

“And I know that is who we are inherently. That is what makes us special,” Slone said.

“And I think the reason I’m here and the reason many of you are here is because we can no longer sit idly by. What was a joke wasn’t funny in the first place and now it’s serious. It is time for us polite Canadians to make our voices heard.”

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Slone added that Canadians are galvanized by this movement because of their love for this country.

The rally also heard from Canadian businesswoman Arlene Dickinson and comedian Shaun Majumder.

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The family-friendly gathering also included music by Blue Rodeo singer-songwriter Jim Cuddy, Toronto band The Get Alongs and blues artist Shakura S’Aida.

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