In a recent interview, Liam Mooney, the owner of an Ottawa apparel company, discussed the success of their “Lake Ontario” hats following U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order to rename the lake. The hats, which feature the original name of the Great Lake, were quickly put up for sale by Jackpine, Mooney’s company, in response to Trump’s order to rename the body of water as “Lake America.”
Mooney explained that the idea for the hat design came to him the night before Trump’s announcement, prompting a swift response to capitalize on the situation. Jackpine, known for its “Canada Is Not For Sale” hats, experienced a surge in orders for the Lake Ontario hats shortly after their release.
The move by Trump to change the lake’s name on U.S. maps comes amid trade disputes between Canada and the U.S., with both countries imposing tariffs on each other’s goods. Canadians have strongly opposed the executive order, with Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighting the historical significance of the name “Ontario.”
The Lake Ontario hats have not only garnered attention within Canada but have also seen international interest, with orders coming in from cities like Paris, Tokyo, London, and Berlin. Mooney emphasized that the response to the hats has been overwhelmingly positive, attributing it to a shared sense of patriotism among Canadians and supporters worldwide.
The success of Jackpine’s merchandise in tapping into national pride echoes similar trends seen with other Canadian companies during trade tensions. The company’s focus on promoting Canadian-made products and supporting local industries has resonated with consumers seeking ways to express their sentiments in a tangible manner.
Despite some skepticism about commercializing patriotic sentiments during challenging times, Mooney emphasized that their efforts are driven by a genuine desire to showcase Canadian identity and support domestic manufacturing. He underscored the company’s investment in the Canadian textile industry and its commitment to upholding Canadian values through its products.