9/11 anniversary recalls Canada-U.S. bond as relationship deteriorates

As the relationship between Canada and the United States deteriorates, the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks recalls a time when Canadians mobilized to help Americans in crisis.

Tensions now cross the border alongside tariffed goods. Donald Trump’s Truth Social account features mocking memes and threats of annexation, while insults on both sides have contributed to the decline of a once-respectful relationship between neighbours.

The Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks killed nearly 3,000 people. After U.S. airspace closed, Canadians opened their homes, wallets and communities to stranded Americans.

Gander, N.L., then a town of about 9,000 people, received 38 passenger aircraft carrying more than 6,500 travellers. Appleton, about 15 minutes west of Gander, absorbed many of the arrivals.

Derm Flynn, Appleton’s mayor at the time, and his wife, Dianne, housed six stranded Americans in their three-bedroom home. Derm Flynn said helping was a natural response to the number of people arriving in the area. Dianne Flynn said their guests were grateful for a place to sleep, shower and clear their minds.

The Flynns still keep in touch with the people they hosted. One guest from New Jersey is returning to visit for this anniversary. Their experience was depicted in the musical Come From Away, created by married co-creators Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Derm Flynn called it a story of kindness and respect.

David Collenette, Canada’s transportation minister at the time, said he had to make a rapid decision to permit the aircraft to land before Canada closed its own airspace. Ahead of a Friday commemoration at Gander International Airport, he said he remains moved by how Canadians responded, opening their homes, sharing food, cooking and donating without first focusing on the cost.

Former prime minister Jean Chretien addressed an estimated 80,000 people gathered on Parliament Hill for a national day of mourning three days after the attacks. Twenty-four Canadians died in the attacks. Chretien said Canada and the United States were connected by sorrow and camaraderie, and conveyed Canada’s support for Americans.

American diplomat Baxter Hunt told The Canadian Press earlier this month that Canadians’ compassion for strangers was remarkable. He said he understood that about 33,000 stranded passengers were accommodated at locations across Canada beyond Gander, and said the anniversary was a time to appreciate the close relationship between the two countries.

Derm Flynn said the deteriorating relationship is painful to watch, but does not change how Canadians and Americans relate to one another. He said Americans remain friends and that, if a similar event occurred today, people would offer the same respect, understanding and care.