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Canadian flag absent from Sask. government’s media room throughout 2023

Published

11 months ago

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The Canadian flag has seemingly not been on the display in the radio room at the Legislative Building, where the Saskatchewan government hosts announcements and news conferences, for almost a year now. The move has many questioning its intent.

CBC has been unable to find the Canadian flag on display in any footage from the radio room in 2023. The last time it was seen was in November 2022.

The province would not confirm when exactly it removed the Canadian flag from the radio room, but said in an email statement attributed to the executive council that the flags are adjusted in accordance with protocol that outlines the order of precedence for when the provincial flag is displayed among other flags.

“Specific to media events in the radio room, there have been times when both the Canadian and Saskatchewan flag are displayed and times when only the Saskatchewan flag is displayed,” the statement said.

The province said the Canadian flag is flown in other areas of the legislative building.

Saskatchewan residents are questioning government’s removal of Canadian flag from its media room

 

Featured VideoThe Canadian flag has been seemingly absent from Saskatchewan government’s media room throughout this year. People are sharing their confusion and frustration about it online.

People CBC spoke with in Saskatoon and Regina about the change expressed exasperation, confusion and curiosity.

Anmol Sandhu said the flag should be on the premises to uphold the Canadian identity and called the removal “disrespectful.”

“It shouldn’t just be the province, because the province isn’t a country by itself,” she said.

“You have to represent both on equal levels. Without Canada, there isn’t Saskatchewan. Without Saskatchewan, there isn’t Canada.”

A spectacled Indian woman in a cream colored fleece jacket.
Anmol Sandhu says it shouldn’t just be the province’s flag in the radio room. (Travis Reddaway/CBC)

Tyrell Sawatzky said it is the latest “joke” in a series of moves by the government, including spending “hundreds of thousands of dollars” to put up Saskatchewan flags at every school in the province.

“They seem like a party without a platform. Right now they’re just doing things and hoping something sticks,” he said.

“It’s nationalism, that’s what it is. They’ve said it themselves, they’re trying to make Saskatchewan independent to some extent.”

A bearded man in a green sweatshirt.
Tyrell Sawatzky says the Canadian flag being removed from the radio room is a sign of a push for Saskatchewan autonomy. (Travis Reddaway/CBC)

“That’s weird. They should put [the Canadian flag] back,” Cara Zorgdrager said. “Why would they even remove it?”

Steve Boutilier said he is frustrated and disappointed with the province’s move. He said many people are sharing similar sentiments over social media.

“The constant anti-federal government nonsense that this government brings forward, and using something like the flags in the media room as a prop for that, is just incredibly frustrating to me,” he said.

“Simply removing flags without comment is incredibly insulting to a lot of people who care very deeply about national unity. It’s driving a wedge just to serve political ends. There are a lot of real substantial issues that are affecting people’s lives and they are entirely focused on just political posturing.”

A bearded white man in a brown shirt.
Steve Boutilier says he has veterans in his family and the recent move is insulting to them. (Submitted by Steve Boutilier )

Boutilier said he has veterans in his family and called the move another straw in the “constant barrage of distractions from this government”.

“Are we no longer part of Canada?” Deborah Underwood asked. “This is ridiculous.”

‘I do take offence’

Ab Gamble, a 69-year-old retired man in Regina, grew up on a farm south of Moose Jaw beside the 15 Wing Air Base. Gamble said he heard jets fly by regularly and his love for the flag grew.

“My father fought in the Second World War, his four years overseas, and my mother was a legion volunteer life long. We grew up with symbols and pride,” he said.

“I do take offence when I see the Canadian flag moved and I would like a real explanation.”

He said he has taken this up with Canadian Legion headquarters.

A man in a black t shirt.
Ab Gamble says the symbolism of the flag is important for any Canadian with a military background. (Submitted by Ab Gamble)

David York, a sessional lecturer in political studies at the University of Saskatchewan, said removing the flag is a political move.

“It’s also some provincial sabre rattling and trying to reiterate the importance of our allegiance to a province rather than the nation,” he said.

Opposition leader Carla Beck said the presence of the Canadian flag in the radio room does matter to her. She said besides being a proud resident of Saskatchewan, she is a proud Canadian.

“Really what is at the crux of this is this divisive style of politics,” she told reporters Monday at the legislature. “It’s a political pissing match. It’s tiresome and I think people deserve better than this.”

A woman speaking to microphones.
Opposition Leader Carla Beck says the removal of the flag is a sign of divisive politics. (Vashisth Trivedi/CBC)

When questioned on the removal of the Canadian flag from the radio room, Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill repeatedly told reporters to refer to the statement from the executive council. The flag was also absent on the day of the throne speech last Wednesday.

“Last week I wasn’t really thinking about what flag was behind me. I was focused on answering the questions that were asked of me,” he said Monday.

“That was my first time in the radio room during a press conference. It’s not something I noticed when I walked in.”

Could mean many things

Daniel Westlake, assistant professor in the department of political studies at the University of Saskatchewan, said the move reminds him of 2004 when Newfoundland and Labrador’s Premier Danny Williams ordered the removal of all Canadian flags from provincial government buildings.

“Danny Williams gave a big press conference saying we’re taking the flag down from provincial government buildings and explicitly said that… that’s the parallel that comes to my mind, except the odd thing about this case is we haven’t seen the big announcement,” Westlake said.

“It’s been more subtle, and if you’re trying to use the flag for political messaging or to make a big play, you tend to make it obvious what you’re doing.”

A man in stripped shirt.
Daniel Westlake says there could be many reasons for the move. (Pratyush Dayal/CBC)

Westlake said the decision could have been accidental, or pertaining to flag protocol, or downright intentional. He said provinces in the past have been very clear and direct about this if expressing their displeasure with the federal government.

“I would expect the province would have said so, that’s why they’re doing it. The fact that they haven’t said that makes me more uncertain about what’s going on,” he said.

“This could be anything from a subtle way to try to build Saskatchewan identity and hint frustration with the federal government, to a question of protocol, to a question of how many flags do they want in the background.”

Westlake said there are many plausible explanations, but without any clear signaling from the government, it would be unfair to pick one as most likely.

 

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What to stream this weekend: ‘Civil War,’ Snow Patrol, ‘How to Die Alone,’ ‘Tulsa King’ and ‘Uglies’

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8 hours ago

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September 13, 2024

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Hallmark launching a streaming service with two new original series, and Bill Skarsgård out for revenge in “Boy Kills World” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Alex Garland’s “Civil War” starring Kirsten Dunst, Natasha Rothwell’s heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone” and Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts.

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is finally making its debut on MAX on Friday. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as a veteran photojournalist covering a violent war that’s divided America; She reluctantly allows an aspiring photographer, played by Cailee Spaeny, to tag along as she, an editor (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and a reporter (Wagner Moura) make the dangerous journey to Washington, D.C., to interview the president (Nick Offerman), a blustery, rising despot who has given himself a third term, taken to attacking his citizens and shut himself off from the press. In my review, I called it a bellowing and haunting experience; Smart and thought-provoking with great performances. It’s well worth a watch.

— Joey King stars in Netflix’s adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies,” about a future society in which everyone is required to have beautifying cosmetic surgery at age 16. Streaming on Friday, McG directed the film, in which King’s character inadvertently finds herself in the midst of an uprising against the status quo. “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes plays King’s best friend.

— Bill Skarsgård is out for revenge against the woman (Famke Janssen) who killed his family in “Boy Kills World,” coming to Hulu on Friday. Moritz Mohr directed the ultra-violent film, of which Variety critic Owen Gleiberman wrote: “It’s a depraved vision, yet I got caught up in its kick-ass revenge-horror pizzazz, its disreputable commitment to what it was doing.”

— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr

NEW MUSIC TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— The year was 2006. Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish alternative rock band, released an album, “Eyes Open,” producing the biggest hit of their career: “Chasing Cars.” A lot has happened in the time since — three, soon to be four quality full-length albums, to be exact. On Friday, the band will release “The Forest Is the Path,” their first new album in seven years. Anthemic pop-rock is the name of the game across songs of love and loss, like “All,”“The Beginning” and “This Is the Sound Of Your Voice.”

— For fans of raucous guitar music, Jordan Peele’s 2022 sci-fi thriller, “NOPE,” provided a surprising, if tiny, thrill. One of the leads, Emerald “Em” Haywood portrayed by Keke Palmer, rocks a Jesus Lizard shirt. (Also featured through the film: Rage Against the Machine, Wipers, Mr Bungle, Butthole Surfers and Earth band shirts.) The Austin noise rock band are a less than obvious pick, having been signed to the legendary Touch and Go Records and having stopped releasing new albums in 1998. That changes on Friday the 13th, when “Rack” arrives. And for those curious: The Jesus Lizard’s intensity never went away.

— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

NEW SHOWS TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15

— Hallmark launched a streaming service called Hallmark+ on Tuesday with two new original series, the scripted drama “The Chicken Sisters” and unscripted series “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert.” If you’re a Hallmark holiday movies fan, you know Chabert. She’s starred in more than 30 of their films and many are holiday themed. Off camera, Chabert has a passion for throwing parties and entertaining. In “Celebrations,” deserving people are surprised with a bash in their honor — planned with Chabert’s help. “The Chicken Sisters” stars Schuyler Fisk, Wendie Malick and Lea Thompson in a show about employees at rival chicken restaurants in a small town. The eight-episode series is based on a novel of the same name.

— Natasha Rothwell of “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” fame created and stars in a new heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone.” She plays Mel, a broke, go-along-to-get-along, single, airport employee who, after a near-death experience, makes the conscious decision to take risks and pursue her dreams. Rothwell has been working on the series for the past eight years and described it to The AP as “the most vulnerable piece of art I’ve ever put into the world.” Like Mel, Rothwell had to learn to bet on herself to make the show she wanted to make. “In the Venn diagram of me and Mel, there’s significant overlap,” said Rothwell. It premieres Friday on Hulu.

— Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Betty Gilpin star in a new drama for Starz called “Three Women,” about entrepreneur Sloane, homemaker Lina and student Maggie who are each stepping into their power and making life-changing decisions. They’re interviewed by a writer named Gia (Woodley.) The series is based on a 2019 best-selling book of the same name by Lisa Taddeo. “Three Women” premieres Friday on Starz.

— Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts Sunday on Paramount+. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, a mafia boss who was recently released from prison after serving 25 years. He’s sent to Tulsa to set up a new crime syndicate. The series is created by Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” fame.

— Alicia Rancilio

NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

— One thing about the title of Focus Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — you know exactly what you’re in for. You are Demetrian Titus, a genetically enhanced brute sent into battle against the Tyranids, an insectoid species with an insatiable craving for human flesh. You have a rocket-powered suit of armor and an arsenal of ridiculous weapons like the “Chainsword,” the “Thunderhammer” and the “Melta Rifle,” so what could go wrong? Besides the squishy single-player mode, there are cooperative missions and six-vs.-six free-for-alls. You can suit up now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.

— Likewise, Wild Bastards isn’t exactly the kind of title that’s going to attract fans of, say, Animal Crossing. It’s another sci-fi shooter, but the protagonists are a gang of 13 varmints — aliens and androids included — who are on the run from the law. Each outlaw has a distinctive set of weapons and special powers: Sarge, for example, is a robot with horse genes, while Billy the Squid is … well, you get the idea. Australian studio Blue Manchu developed the 2019 cult hit Void Bastards, and this Wild-West-in-space spinoff has the same snarky humor and vibrant, neon-drenched cartoon look. Saddle up on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch or PC.

— Lou Kesten

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Trump could cash out his DJT stock within weeks. Here’s what happens if he sells

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3 weeks ago

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August 23, 2024

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Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his personal wealth and the future of his fledgling social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). As the lockup period on his shares in TMTG, which owns Truth Social, nears its end, Trump could soon be free to sell his substantial stake in the company. However, the potential payday, which makes up a large portion of his net worth, comes with considerable risks for Trump and his supporters.

Trump’s stake in TMTG comprises nearly 59% of the company, amounting to 114,750,000 shares. As of now, this holding is valued at approximately $2.6 billion. These shares are currently under a lockup agreement, a common feature of initial public offerings (IPOs), designed to prevent company insiders from immediately selling their shares and potentially destabilizing the stock. The lockup, which began after TMTG’s merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is set to expire on September 25, though it could end earlier if certain conditions are met.

Should Trump decide to sell his shares after the lockup expires, the market could respond in unpredictable ways. The sale of a substantial number of shares by a major stakeholder like Trump could flood the market, potentially driving down the stock price. Daniel Bradley, a finance professor at the University of South Florida, suggests that the market might react negatively to such a large sale, particularly if there aren’t enough buyers to absorb the supply. This could lead to a sharp decline in the stock’s value, impacting both Trump’s personal wealth and the company’s market standing.

Moreover, Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has been a key driver of investor interest. The platform, marketed as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media, has attracted a loyal user base largely due to Trump’s presence. If Trump were to sell his stake, it might signal a lack of confidence in the company, potentially shaking investor confidence and further depressing the stock price.

Trump’s decision is also influenced by his ongoing legal battles, which have already cost him over $100 million in legal fees. Selling his shares could provide a significant financial boost, helping him cover these mounting expenses. However, this move could also have political ramifications, especially as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.

Trump Media’s success is closely tied to Trump’s political fortunes. The company’s stock has shown volatility in response to developments in the presidential race, with Trump’s chances of winning having a direct impact on the stock’s value. If Trump sells his stake, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own political future, potentially undermining both his campaign and the company’s prospects.

Truth Social, the flagship product of TMTG, has faced challenges in generating traffic and advertising revenue, especially compared to established social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Despite this, the company’s valuation has remained high, fueled by investor speculation on Trump’s political future. If Trump remains in the race and manages to secure the presidency, the value of his shares could increase. Conversely, any missteps on the campaign trail could have the opposite effect, further destabilizing the stock.

As the lockup period comes to an end, Trump faces a critical decision that could shape the future of both his personal finances and Truth Social. Whether he chooses to hold onto his shares or cash out, the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the company, its investors, and Trump’s political aspirations.

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Arizona man accused of social media threats to Trump is arrested

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3 weeks ago

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August 23, 2024

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Cochise County, AZ — Law enforcement officials in Arizona have apprehended Ronald Lee Syvrud, a 66-year-old resident of Cochise County, after a manhunt was launched following alleged death threats he made against former President Donald Trump. The threats reportedly surfaced in social media posts over the past two weeks, as Trump visited the US-Mexico border in Cochise County on Thursday.

Syvrud, who hails from Benson, Arizona, located about 50 miles southeast of Tucson, was captured by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed his arrest, stating, “This subject has been taken into custody without incident.”

In addition to the alleged threats against Trump, Syvrud is wanted for multiple offences, including failure to register as a sex offender. He also faces several warrants in both Wisconsin and Arizona, including charges for driving under the influence and a felony hit-and-run.

The timing of the arrest coincided with Trump’s visit to Cochise County, where he toured the US-Mexico border. During his visit, Trump addressed the ongoing border issues and criticized his political rival, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, for what he described as lax immigration policies. When asked by reporters about the ongoing manhunt for Syvrud, Trump responded, “No, I have not heard that, but I am not that surprised and the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys.”

This incident marks the latest in a series of threats against political figures during the current election cycle. Just earlier this month, a 66-year-old Virginia man was arrested on suspicion of making death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and other public officials.

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