An exclusive interview with Ottawa-based clothing brand owner Liam Mooney:
Just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America,” a Canadian company swiftly launched baseball caps with the original name of the Great Lake. The hats, created by Ottawa’s Jackpine, were made available for purchase online immediately following Trump’s directive.
Liam Mooney, the founder of Jackpine, revealed that he conceived the hat design the night before the order was signed. “It was evident that this change was coming, so we acted promptly,” Mooney expressed to guest host Paul Hunter on “As It Happens.” The timing of the release proved to be advantageous for Jackpine.
In addition to the “Lake Ontario” hats, Jackpine, co-owned by Mooney and his wife Emma Cochrane, gained previous attention for their “Canada Is Not For Sale” hats, popularized after Ontario Premier Doug Ford sported one during public engagements.
Mooney emphasized his commitment to promoting Canadian patriotism through his designs, aiming to support domestic manufacturing and supply chains. The latest hat release coincided with escalating trade tensions between Canada and the U.S., marked by reciprocal tariffs imposed by both nations.
Despite the controversial executive order altering the lake’s name on U.S. maps, Canadians rejected the change outright. Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted the historical significance of the name “Ontario,” originating from the Wendat word “Ontari’io,” meaning “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big.”
Wendat Nation Grand Chief Pierre Picard condemned Trump’s actions as an attempt to erase the nation’s heritage. Criticism of Trump’s decision extended to U.S. political commentator Charlie Sykes, who denounced the move as emblematic of Trump’s leadership style.
Mooney reported a surge in orders for the Lake Ontario hats immediately after their online release, noting strong interest from not only Canadians but also international customers worldwide. This response reflects a broader sentiment of solidarity with Canada amidst the ongoing trade disputes.
The success of Jackpine’s patriotic merchandise mirrors a trend among Canadian companies leveraging geopolitical tensions for business opportunities. Notably, other brands like Timeless Memories and Shop Love Collective capitalized on the heightened patriotic fervor amid the trade war.
Mooney defended his company’s actions, emphasizing a genuine commitment to promoting national pride and supporting local industries. He underscored Jackpine’s investments in the Canadian textile sector and workforce, emphasizing the positive impact of their initiatives.
