‘Elbows Up’ rally held in support of Canada across the street from U.S. Embassy in Ottawa

Laurel Skinner holds a sign at an 'Elbows Up' rally in Ottawa on Monday. Dozens of people attended the rally to support Canada across the street from the U.S. Embassy. (Shaun Vardon/CTV News Ottawa)

Angel Kalyta was standing up for Canada Monday, reacting to the tariffs and threats coming from the United States and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Kalyta helped organize Ottawa’s “Elbows Up” demonstration across the street from the U.S. Embassy on Sussex Drive. Her grandparents escaped from concentration camps after the Second World War, their legacy of coming to Canada to build a new life inspiring her.

“As a Ukrainian, it’s incredibly terrifying because this is how (Russian President Vladimir) Putin started it with Ukraine, and we all hope it won’t get to that point. But for me as a Ukrainian, I absolutely want Canadians to take it seriously because he can never think that it might work,” Kalyta said. “I always thought big history was behind us and now it feels like we are living through another big moment of history, and I like to remember my Ukrainian grandparents it’s time to be brave.”

Monday’s rally, not just in Ottawa, with groups in seven cities across the country standing up for Canada. “Elbows Up” became a movement earlier this month when Canadian actor Mike Myers lifted his elbow and mouthed “elbows up” while preforming on “Saturday Night Live.” It’s a hockey term, referring to hockey great Gordie Howe’s gritty style of play.

The dozens of protesters in the capital putting on the red and white showing their Canadian pride. Their message to the American administration is a profound no to demands made by President Trump. Those here stressing that Canadians need to take these threats seriously, but insist their message is not anti-American, it’s pro-Canadian.

For Laurel Skinner, being part of Monday’s action was simple Canada is worth fighting for.

“What’s upset me is the disrespect from the U.S. president and the fact that we as Canadians have stood by the U.S. for a very long time and some very trying situations. We’ve had Canadians die for U.S. causes,” Skinner said. “I think it’s important for Canadians to put their money where their mouths are and stand up for what you believe in and show everybody else what you stand for.”