Photo taken today at the Nanaimo harbourfront, operated by the Nanaimo Port Authority

I understand that some hotels, marinas, ports and other tourism businesses fly the U.S. flag as a gesture of welcome to visitors from the United States.

Visitors from the U.S. who come here respectfully are welcome, and this isn’t about individual tourists; however, I’ve been wondering why businesses seem to assume that visitors from the U.S. need to see their national flag flown on Canadian soil — or over Canadian waters — in order to feel welcome here.

That feels particularly strange right now, given the extraordinary context of current Canada–U.S. relations, including repeated rhetoric challenging Canadian sovereignty and recent disputes touching on our language and culture.

Even if relations were perfectly friendly, I’m not sure why the U.S. flag should be treated as an almost default fixture at some tourism businesses.

I’m curious what people see elsewhere in B.C. Is the U.S. flag commonly flown at hotels, marinas, ports or other tourism businesses in your community?

And do you think the practice still makes sense?
If not, would you rather see something else flown in its place — if anything?

Apparently Elon as well. Meeting up in desolation sounds after FIFA.

Don’t mind me boys, we’re just in a bit of a climate crisis right now!

• Lower Mainland: Relatively competitive, with the Conservatives leading by six seats. This region contains 57% of all seats.
• Nanaimo–Victoria: Strongly NDP, with 10 of 12 seats.
• Okanagan: All six seats favour the Conservatives.
• Interior and Rest of BC: Strongly Conservative, with 17 of 22 seats.