"Elbows Up, Canada!" — a rally to encourage nationalism amid a U.S. trade war and annexation threats — is coming to Toronto after more than 1,500 people gathered at Parliament Hill in Ottawa last week.
On Saturday, Mayor Olivia Chow will be joining Canadian musician Jim Cuddy and South African-Canadian businesswoman Arlene Dickinson for the rally at Nathan Phillips Square.
Dickinson starred as an investor in CBC's reality TV show, Dragon's Den while Cuddy is much admired for his work with with the band Blue Rodeo.
“Elbows Up, Canada! is about standing together—proud, strong, and united,” said Peter Wall, an organizer of the movement. “We are creating a space where Canadians from all walks of life can come together, share their voices, and celebrate what makes this country great.”
The Toronto rally is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
Saturday's event is slated to include speeches, live music and community engagement activities.
Cuddy will be performing his song We Used To Be The Best Of Friends at 2:30 p.m.
Also joining the event is Canadian actor and comedian Shaun Majumder.
Elbows Up, Canada! describes itself as a grassroots movement dedicated to bringing Canadians together in a positive, non-partisan and inclusive way.
The term "elbows up" is commonly used in hockey to mean preparedness for a fight. Amid U.S. President Donald Trump's continued talks of tariffs and annexation, the phrase has become a rallying cry for Canadians across the country.
