What happens when a little idea meets a big wave of patriotism? You get a story like this one—a mix of humor, determination, and a dash of irony. Meet Liam Mooney and Emma Cochrane, a Canadian couple from Ottawa, who turned a spark of inspiration into a nationwide phenomenon.
It all started on January 8, while watching Ontario Premier Doug Ford respond to Donald Trump’s quip about Canada becoming the 51st state. Ford’s quick reply—“Canada is not for sale”—stuck with Mooney and Cochrane. They decided it was time to make their own statement. And so, the “Canada is Not for Sale” hat was born.
A Hat with a Message (and a Twist of Irony)
Retailing for $45 (or $40 for beanies), these hats became a symbol of Canadian pride. But here’s where it gets interesting: despite their patriotic roots, the couple soon realized they couldn’t manufacture the hats entirely in Canada. Why? Canada’s textile industry just doesn’t have the capacity.
The beanies? Made in the US.
The ball caps? Imported from Vietnam, Bangladesh, and China.
The embroidery? Done in Toronto, producing up to 1,000 hats a day.
“It’s like being a snake trying to swallow a bowling ball,” Mooney joked, describing the challenges they faced while trying to make the hats 100% Canadian-made.
A Surprising Demand
What started as a small act of patriotism quickly turned into a massive movement. Their Shopify-based store exploded with tens of thousands of orders from Canadians eager to support their country. Even high-profile figures like Shopify’s President, Harley Finkelstein, and Doug Ford himself have sported the hats proudly.
The irony wasn’t lost on anyone—Mooney and Cochrane deliberately designed their red hats to mimic Trump’s famous “Make America Great Again” caps. But instead of division, their hats aimed to unite.
“It’s a creative rebuttal,” Mooney told Reuters. “An opportunity to bring people together, regardless of political beliefs.”
The Fight for Sovereignty
Mooney and Cochrane’s project came at a time of heightened tension between Canada and the US. Trump’s rhetoric, threats of tariffs, and a jab at Justin Trudeau (calling him “Governor” of Canada) fueled the couple’s determination.
“Canada’s dignity is non-negotiable,” Mooney said, emphasizing the need to stand firm in the face of economic and political pressures.
Looking Ahead
Despite the hurdles, the couple hasn’t given up on their dream of making a fully Canadian-made hat. For now, their message—and their hats—are doing the heavy lifting.
So, whether you’re buying the hat for the cause, the fashion, or just to make a statement, one thing’s for sure: Canadians aren’t for sale, and neither is their pride.
Final Thought
This story isn’t just about hats. It’s about resilience, creativity, and a good-natured way of standing up for what you believe in. And that’s something we can all tip our hats to. 🧢
