ABOUT
At Canada is Not for Sale, we’re more than just a store; we’re a small act of patriotism, born out of a moment that demanded a response.
She's a progressive, he's a conservative. Together they run a design strategy and creative innovation firm in the Nation's Capital.
Q: Where did the idea for the Canada is Not for Sale hat come from?
Emma: There had been a lot of chatter about Canada becoming the 51st state. The prime minister had just announced an intent to resign, weeks ahead of Trump’s inauguration and the potential implementation of destabilizing trade tariffs. Then we watched a Fox interview with Premier Ford where the host said that Canadians should “consider it a privilege to be taken over by the United States”. And that sparked a little bit of defiant Canadian patriotism. But also, with our federal leaders scrambling, a sense that everyday Canadians were going to have to be the ones to stand up and say, absolutely not.
Q: What’s your favourite thing about Canada?
Liam: What I love most about Canada is how it brings together so many unique threads to create something truly distinct in the world. It’s a place where people from anywhere in the world can build a life while embracing freedom, human rights, and opportunity.
I’ve been fortunate to experience this country in so many ways—from working with Inuit artists in Nunavut to driving the Sea to Sky Highway in BC, crossing the Confederation Bridge into PEI, and hearing french as I return home from the U.S. Every part of Canada tells a story, and I’m proud of the hardworking, kind, and resilient people who make this country truly strong and free.
Q: Why are these hats special?
Liam: These hats carry a powerful message: Canada is not for sale. You can’t annex us because you feel like you can. We’re a proud nation with a proud history, and this is more than just a hat—it’s an act of patriotism and a statement of sovereignty.
At a time when being proudly Canadian isn’t always celebrated, these hats remind us of our unique place in the world and our strength as a nation. This is the beginning of a movement, and it’s incredible to see how many Canadians are ready to stand together and share that pride.
Q: Is this affiliated with a political party?
Emma: The hats are a political statement, but no, they aren’t affiliated with any political party. Liam and I have pretty different political views in general, so the fact that it resonates with both of us says something. It’s not about red vs blue, it’s about standing together as Canadians.
Q:What's next for Canada is Not for Sale?
Liam: We’re focused on growing this movement. That means developing a 100% made-in-Canada supply chain, expanding our product line, and getting these hats into the hands of as many Canadians as possible.