Ford praises Flags Unlimited in Barrie, Ont.

The Premier tours Flags Unlimited with Brian Hodgson, who talks about the 60-year history of the Barrie manufacturing facility. Wed., May 20, 2026. PHOTO: TWITTER

Last summer, Flags Unlimited partnered with the city of Barrie to support the 2025 Summer Meeting of Canada’s Premiers through a celebration of flags and banners across the community.

“Premier Doug Ford’s visit Wednesday was, a thank you for that work, as well as an opportunity to recognize Flags Unlimited as a proudly Canadian, locally owned business with more than 60 years of history in Ontario,” said Maureen Christie, vice president of sales.

“During his visit, Ford addressed our team, thanking them for their hard work and for producing symbols that represent our province and country. He also reiterated his support for locally owned and operated Ontario businesses,” said Christie.

“We are the largest Canadian-made flag manufacturer in the country, producing over a million flags annually alongside our custom soft signage, and were proud to showcase this work during today’s visit.

“While we are a non-political organization, we welcomed the opportunity to host the Premier, as we would with representatives from any political party, in recognition of their support of Ontario businesses and local manufacturing,” she said.

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall, Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte MPP, Attorney General of Ontario Doug Downey and Barrie–Innisfil MPP and Minister of Red Tape Reduction Andrea Khanjin were in attendance.

The Premier toured the facility and spoke with the staff, said Christie, adding that due to Ford’s background in printing, his was particularly interested in the process.

“He took time to connect with team members across departments, speaking with anyone who wished to engage, posing for photos, and even lending a hand on the production floor with some flag cutting and folding,” she said.