By Abdul Jabbar | Bouncer News
Companies selling products through Amazon are drawing backlash from Canadians after marketing controversial merchandise referring to Canada as the 51st state of the United States. The online marketplace is hosting a variety of items—including hats, shirts, and flags—that imply Canada is merely an extension of the U.S., leading to an outpouring of criticism.
In contrast, the same sellers are also offering products that push back against this notion, including items with slogans such as “Canada is not for sale” and “F**k Trump: Buy Canadian.”
Similar politically charged apparel linked to U.S. President Donald Trump has surfaced on Amazon in relation to other global controversies. Items bearing messages like “Greenland is not for sale” and “The Panama Canal is not for sale” have also appeared on the platform, reflecting previous statements and disputes involving Trump.
The “51st state” merchandise has particularly angered many Canadians, with the comment section of these products filled with calls for removal. One Amazon user, Mark Dranfeld, left a review stating, “Take this crap off your site!!!!!!!”—a comment that has been marked as helpful by 468 users. Another reviewer, Rick Woodhouse, wrote, “This is offensive to all Canadians!” with 428 people supporting his sentiment. A third commenter, identified as Shar, left a review simply titled “Disgusting,” writing, “Not going to happen.”
Kassandra Scoufaras echoed the frustration, stating, “Canada is an independent, sovereign nation. We will never ever ever be part of America. Stop selling this trash.”
In response to the controversy, a growing movement has emerged urging Canadians to support local businesses and boycott international corporations like Amazon. An online petition was launched this week demanding Amazon remove the offensive products, quickly gathering over 2,500 signatures by Wednesday evening.
Amazon’s policy on controversial merchandise states that it prohibits items that promote, incite, or glorify hatred, violence, or discrimination. However, in response to inquiries from CTV and the National Post, the company reiterated that the products in question do not violate this policy, and therefore, they will remain available for purchase.
As the debate continues, many Canadians are calling for stricter content moderation on e-commerce platforms to prevent the sale of merchandise that undermines national sovereignty and identity.