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Calgary Stalls Foreign Flag Ban as Toronto’s Palestinian Flag-Raising Proceeds After Court Dismissal

Council in Calgary halted an urgent bid to restrict national flag ceremonies, setting up a later committee debate on the city’s policy.

Overview

  • An Ontario judge rejected an injunction from the Tafsik Organization on Nov. 17, clearing Toronto to raise the Palestinian flag on the 37th anniversary of the Palestinian Declaration of Independence after a petition by the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians.
  • Toronto police arrested one person at Nathan Phillips Square in an incident linked to the demonstration, alleging assault with a weapon and administering a noxious substance, and reported no injuries.
  • Calgary city council voted 8–7 against adding an urgent motion to ban foreign national flag-raisings, a procedural defeat that leaves the proposal to return through the executive committee for full debate.
  • Global News and council discussions noted Calgary has additional previously approved ceremonies this month, including Bosnia and Herzegovina on Nov. 25 and Albania on Nov. 29, under the existing policy.
  • Other municipalities and Manitoba’s legislature have also flown the Palestinian flag, including Mississauga, Brampton, Calgary and Winnipeg, following Canada’s September recognition that enabled such requests under local flag policies.