EDITORIAL: Let’s put an end to the anthem wars

We must be the adults in the room.

Published Sep 13, 2026  •  Last updated 20 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

Canadian and U.S. flags fly over the Blue Water Bridge linking Point Edward, Ont., and Port Huron, Mich., on Aug. 27, 2026. Photo by Geoff Robins /Postmedia Network

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The ongoing trade war between Canada and the U.S. and the onslaught of memes emanating from the White House are not just causing economic hardship on both sides of the border, they’re destroying what was once one of the great social and mercantile relationships between two nations.

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Canadians are insulted, angered and baffled by the hostile barbs flowing from the White House. All the same, we should be careful to keep our response dignified and above reproach.

This is especially true when it comes to sporting events. Once again, Canadian fans have taken to booing performances of The Star-Spangled Banner before games.

While it’s understandable Canadians may wish to vent their anger at the infantile jibes directed at us from the official accounts of our neighbours to our south, it behoves us to do better. We must be the adults in the room. We should demonstrate the kind of maturity that Canadians have always shown. An anthem is not about one man; it’s about a nation and its people. Sport fosters cross-border camaraderie. Booing an anthem fans the flames of political hostilities into the sporting arena.

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It’s not fair to the ordinary Americans in the stands, many of whom may be deeply patriotic, but may not support this particular president. It’s unfair to the players, many of whom may not be American.

While booing may be a visceral response to a leader who wishes this country ill, it’s unproductive and taints this country with the same undignified brush.

Contrast that with the classy announcement from the NFL’s Buffalo Bills organization. They announced last week that the Barenaked Ladies will perform O Canada before their first game in their new stadium next Thursday. The Bills will take on the Detroit Lions, another border city team, so it’s heartening to see the teams acknowledging the thousands of Canadian fans who support their organizations.

We shouldn’t confuse patriotism with jingoism. Let’s stop lecturing our neighbours about where they can’t vacation. Let’s stop telling the world which fruit they can’t buy at the grocery store.

As Canadians, we can make our own informed decisions. The U.S. isn’t going anywhere. We have to get along. We may have differences with their leaders right now. but the American people are our friends and should be treated as such.

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