On a recent drive along Montreal Road, I saw a Canadian, Ontario and American flag flying on the slope adjacent to the entranceway to the DEV Centre. Given the recent rhetoric from the current American administration suggesting Canada should become the 51st state, and the reported meetings between Alberta separatists and U.S. officials, I was surprised to see the Centre displaying the American flag at this time.
In the current political climate, that symbol may be interpreted by some as insensitive or out of step with community sentiment. I question whether this decision reflects the values and history of the community the DEV Centre serves — a community shaped in part by resistance to “American freedom” and built by generations of Canadians of European origin. It is also worth remembering that all of Ontario is, and has long been, the traditional territory of Indigenous Peoples.
If the management at the DEV Centre wish to fly three flags, perhaps it would be more appropriate to consider flying the Haudenosaunee flag, in recognition of the land on which the Centre stands.
I encourage the DEV Centre’s management to reflect on how this display is perceived and to consider whether a change would better reflect pride in our community and respect for Canada’s heritage. Those who share these concerns may wish to express their views directly to the Centre’s management.
Ian Bowering, historian, Cornwall.
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