‘You know as Canadian we have a reputation for politeness… but it is a grave mistake to see that politeness as weakness,’ David Eby said in a video explaining “Elbows Up”
Canadians here and abroad are showing their “Elbows Up” in an ongoing outpouring of national defiance in the face of threats coming from the Donald Trump administration.
Here’s what we know about this hockey-inspired movement.
Why are Canadians saying ‘elbows up’?
A group of Canadian retirees in Portugal showed their elbows up sentiment in a photo of a recent meet-and-greet that was emailed to the National Post on Thursday. More than 120 people from B.C. to Newfoundland showed up to express their national pride, writes Chris Coates in the email.
It took on new meaning with Trump “and his constant demeaning of our country and outrageous behaviour towards arguably their closest ally,” writes Coates, owner of the Coates Agency, a computer consultancy in Calabogie, Ont. “The national anthem broke out, and once finished, someone yelled, ‘Elbows Up.’ The crowd went crazy.”
Bain thought Kimmel “was quite funny. He was saying how the Canadians, every time they took a bottle off had to say, ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry.’” As Kimmel spoke, Bain’s video played with the banner “Elbows Up” and a Canadian flag logo flashing across the screen.
Where does the “Elbows Up” phrase come from?
He was renowned for his defensive tactics, especially raising his elbows while rushing into the corners to retrieve the puck and deter aggressive opponents.
“For those of you who are not hockey fans, Elbows Up means the other team is trying to take advantage. And if they come at you, they’re going to feel it. You know as Canadian we have a reputation for politeness. We’re polite, sometimes to a fault, but it is a grave mistake to see that politeness as weakness. We will always be the True North, Strong and Free with our elbows up, Honourable Speaker.”
How did Canadian comedian Mike Meyers revive this hockey phrase?
The rallying cry caught on in popular culture when Canadian comedian Mike Myers made a surprise guest appearance on a recent edition of “Saturday Night Live.” He was featured in a skit mimicking the confrontation that Trump and JD Vance had with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
How have Canadians been using this slogan?
How did Trudeau use this phrase during his farewell speech?
“Crisis after crisis has been thrown at Canadians, but through every crisis, Canadians have shown who they are. We’ve pulled together. We’ve stood up for each other,” he said.
“And every single time, we’ve emerged even stronger. And now, as Canadians face, from our neighbour, an existential challenge, an economic crisis, Canadians are showing exactly what we are made of….We’re a country that will be diplomatic when we can, but fight when we must. Elbows Up!”
The crowd roared in response.
What are some other ways Canadians are expressing their anger towards Trump administration?
Aside from political expression of “Elbows Up,” Canadians have shown this sentiment in their showing as they shop, in boycotting American products and supporting local businesses.
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