The City of Burlington is taking a closer look at how it displays foreign flags—specifically the American flag—in light of escalating trade threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
While some neighboring municipalities have already removed American flags from municipal properties, Burlington is opting for a more measured approach: reviewing its entire flag display policy, including flags flown at city arenas.
“As part of this review, we are carefully considering the impact of any decisions on our local community and businesses, as well as visiting athletes, their teams, and families,” a city spokesperson said via email. “Our goal is to ensure that our policies reflect our commitment to global connections, sportsmanship, and supporting community events hosted in Burlington.”
The review arrives amid growing regional responses to Trump’s recent annexation and tariff threats. The City of Mississauga has already removed American flags from all municipal properties. Earlier this month, the City of Hamilton permanently removed U.S. flags affixed to its facilities. West Lincoln Township followed suit last month. Meanwhile, the Town of Oakville has confirmed it is not reviewing its flag policy at this time.
An Expanding Review Beyond the Flagpoles
Burlington’s current policy—approved in April 2024—focuses on flag raising, proclamations, and pier lighting, but notably excludes arenas. The existing guidelines ensure the display of flags from Canada, Ontario, Burlington, Halton Region, the United Nations, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation at Civic Square outside City Hall.
The policy allows for temporary replacement of the UN flag with another country’s flag, and a sixth flagpole is dedicated to community flag requests. Still, there is no mention of the United States or its flag specifically.
City officials say this new review of arena and facility flag displays extends beyond the current flag policy, aiming for consistency across all public properties.
Procurement Under the Microscope
Alongside the flag review, Burlington is also reassessing its procurement strategies in response to potential U.S.-Canada trade friction. A preliminary staff report revealed that fewer than five per cent of the city’s 3,100 vendors have non-Canadian addresses. Only seven current vendors—accounting for $1.275 million annually—are U.S.-based, all providing software or digital services deemed critical to city operations.
However, officials admit there are complications in tracing the full ownership and origin of vendors, as many multinational corporations operating in Canada contribute directly to the local economy.
Next Steps and Council Directive
On March 18, Burlington City Council directed the chief financial officer to evaluate the potential impact of new U.S. tariffs, collaborate with other municipalities on “Buy Canadian” strategies, and explore alternatives to American suppliers. The findings will be presented to the Committee of the Whole on April 7, 2025.
Balancing Diplomacy and Domestic Priorities
This isn’t just about flags on poles—it’s about aligning civic identity with economic resilience. As Trump’s trade rhetoric resurfaces, Canadian cities like Burlington are being forced to walk a diplomatic tightrope: respecting international relationships while protecting local interests.
In Burlington’s case, every policy adjustment—from flags to software contracts—carries the same underlying message: community first, with caution toward what comes next across the border.
