# ‘We are not the 51st anything’: viral Canada ad gets Trump-inspired update

## Introduction

For the second time in 25 years, a lone figure takes to the stage, an oversized maple leaf flag rippling on a screen behind him as he approaches the microphone. His hair is perhaps a little greyer but the message remains the same:  will not cower to the United States.

> “They mistake our modesty for meekness, our kindness for consent, our nation for another star on their flag and our love of a hot cheesy poutine with their love ,” says the man.
>
> “This is the birthplace of  and ketchup chips and . It is the land of  and the , of innovation and optimism and gettin’ ‘er done …
>
> “Are we perfect? No. But we are not the 51st anything.”

A remake of the 2000 Molson beer ad has the same message as Trump threatens tariffs: Canada will not cower to the US.

## Video Recap

Jeff Douglas, the video’s star, said the new version was produced by an anonymous collective of Canadian creatives and advertising professionals.

> “These are professionals who typically are competitors, coming together, offering what they have, for a common goal … No logos, no brands … the client for this one is Canada.”

The new video cycles through images of famous Canadians, including Terry Fox and Gordon Lightfoot, .

> “We are the first to unite in the crisis, the first to build bridges – not walls – and the first to ” Douglas says in the clip, a reference to Canada’s national anthem.

For Douglas, the years between the two videos have seen reflection on the nature of patriotism and the unifying threads of .

> “Our history, as we were taught, was put together so we would feel good about ourselves and that we’re a force for good in the world. I still think we are a force for good in this world. But certainly, the past 25 years have revealed how we haven’t always done good things. We’ve done some really bad things,” he told the Guardian.

After Trump announced 25% taxes on Canadian goods earlier this week, Canada has responded with disbelief, outrage and defiance.

With the new video, Douglas says the job was simple: “We humbly hope it may be something that can help boost Canadian spirits.”

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