A Safeway grocery store in Medicine Hat has removed an Albertan flag on display following a complaint to the company's regional office. The action has sparked contrasting views online about the provincial symbol's place in retail spaces.Shawn Copland stated on social media that he contacted Safeway's Western Canada Regional office regarding the flag. .OLDCORN: From aprons to extremism? Traditional values are not ‘extremist’.Copland reported that the office then requested its removal from the Medicine Hat Safeway. Copland said this action confirms a company policy discouraging provincial flags inside or outside stores to avoid appearing political. "The decision to have the flag in this photo removed reinforces Safeway's longterm commitment to keep politics out of shopping," Copland posted to social media. .He praised Safeway, its parent company Sobeys, for removing it, calling it a win against co-opting the flag for reasons beyond Alberta pride. Copland in his post said it was not a criticism of the local store manager.However, the Western Standard’s Cory Morgon offered a different perspective on social media. .OLDCORN: Looney Tunes Rachel Gilmore rails against Conservative MPs defending Christian artist Sean Feucht.Morgon labelled those seeking the flag's removal as "anti-Alberta kooks." Morgon accused them of specifically targeting businesses displaying the Alberta flag and demanding its removal..The Western Standard contacted Safeway seeking an explanation for the flag's removal. The company did not respond to the request for comment.
