Safeway says the Alberta flag is flying again inside its Medicine Hat store after an employee took it down last week, sparking criticism on social media.
A shopper had complained that the provincial flag, which hung over a display of locally sourced items, was “political.”
The Alberta flag was removed, but the missing blue and gold emblem was noticed by customers.
Safeway says every province’s banner appears elsewhere in its company-operated Canadian stores.
In a statement on Tuesday to the Western Standard, the grocery chain called the move “an error.”
“This is unfortunate that people are inferring any ill intent from the placement of flags in our stores,” said Safeway in the statement.
“There is no political statement being made here; we are showcasing our local products by province to highlight for customers as part of a national local program.”
The Medicine Hat location will continue using the provincial flag to show support for homegrown produce, meat, and packaged goods.
