Caledon man angers veterans by flying Canadian flags upside down

By Cristina Howorun, News Staff

A Caledon man has angered residents and insulted veterans by flying several Canadian flags upside down, but a local councillor says it’s within the man’s rights to do so.

Rick Ainsley says he’s flying the flags upside down at his home on Mayfield Road to protest the Town of Caledon’s inaction on environmental issues.

“This has absolutely nothing to do with the military,” he maintains. “My family fought for this country. It’s stupid that I don’t have the right to stand up for our rights as Canadians.

“There’s no disrespect to the veterans.”

But veterans like Joe Brown and Harry Geddis can’t help but take it personally.

“This guy should be arrested,” Brown barked. “He should be put in jail. He’s insulting the country. I served in the Canadian army, I’m a veteran. It’s a highly insulting action from him…I find it offensive.”

“I think it’s a disgrace,” added Geddis. “He shouldn’t be allowed to do it.

“He says he’s not trying to insult veterans, but he is. Anybody whose father died for Canada or our Allied Forces deserves some respect.”

But while many find his protest disrespectful, it’s not criminal.

“It’s not illegal to fly the flag upside down,” confirmed Caledon councillor Joanna Downey. “The gentleman is well within his rights to do so.

“Most people see it as a sign of disrespect and we see it that way as well.”

Downey hopes a resolution can reached.

“I encourage this resident to submit his concerns as he’s been invited to,” she said.

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