Mayor Tory to boycott China flag raising at Toronto City Hall

Toronto Mayor John Tory will be boycotting a Chinese flag-raising ceremony at city hall Monday citing current Canada-China tensions.

The event, which is set to get underway around 10 a.m., is being held to mark the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and will include the raising of the Chinese flag on the city’s “courtesy pole.”

Ceremonies like it are not uncommon, as the city allows countries recognized by Global Affairs Canada to raise their flags at city hall.

“The mayor is hopeful that in the very near future a resolution will be found to a number of issues between Canada and China which are of great concern to him and to all of the people of Toronto who strongly believe in addressing issues at home and abroad respectfully and with due process,” Don Peat, a spokesperson for the mayor, said in a statement.

“City officials have been clear that the use of the courtesy flag pole does not imply or express support for politics or policies of a nation.”

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The statement noted that the city itself does not raise other countries’ flags, but gives them permission to do so.

Tory attended China’s flag-raising last year and touted it as a day to celebrate Chinese culture.

Since then, tensions between Canada and China have soured, largely beginning with the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver on Dec. 1 at the request of the U.S.

In what has widely been viewed as retaliation for her arrest, China then imprisoned two Canadian men, ex-diplomat Michael Kovrig and entrepreneur Michael Spavor, on suspicion of spying.

Additionally, heightened tensions between Hong Kong and China have led to concerns around the world, with a protest occurring in Toronto in August over the issue.

0:37 Hong Kong crowds surround heavily police stadium as Carrie Lam speaks inside

• Hong Kong crowds surround heavily police stadium as Carrie Lam speaks inside
• Pro-democracy protesters rally as Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam holds first ‘open dialogue’
• Barricade set on fire in Prince Edward district as Hong Kong protests rage on
• Fire, lasers, pepper spray: Hong Kong marks another day of violent protests
• Protesters attack man in Hong Kong
• Hong Kong protesters trample, burn Chinese flag during demonstrations
• Hong Kong protests: Riot police intercept, arrest protesters as violence continues
• Hong Kong fireworks, horse races cancelled amid protest threat
• ‘Hong Kongers were never alone’: Activist Joshua Wong, standing alongside U.S. Congressional leaders
• Activists push U.S. Congress to pass Hong Kong bill
• Federal Election 2019: Scheer says he’s monitoring Hong Kong protests
• Hong Kong protesters march, sing in plea for British support
• Rather arrest than no freedom: Hong Kong protesters pledge to fight on
• Hong Kong police blasts water cannon at protesters as march erupts into violence
• Hong Kong democracy activist seeks support from U.S.
• Hong Kong protests: Pro and anti-government demonstrators clash in shopping mall

Previous Video

Next Video

“The mayor believes in democracy and the rule of law,” Peat said.

“The only way democracy prevails is by allowing free speech and free expression in our society. While the Chinese consulate is permitted to raise its flag on its national day, people are also free to object to that and to protest it.”