Flag of Canada

The national flag of Canada, called the Maple Leaf, has a red background with a white square in the middle. In that square is a red maple leaf with eleven points. This flag was chosen to be Canada’s official flag after a big discussion in 1964. It was officially proclaimed on February 15, 1965, and that day is now celebrated every year as National Flag of Canada Day.

Before 1965, Canada used another flag called the Canadian Red Ensign, but the maple leaf flag became the main symbol of the country. The maple leaf has been used on many other Canadian flags and symbols too. The flag shows Canada’s identity and is a proud symbol for all Canadians.

Origins and design

See also: Maple leaf

The Canadian flag, often called the Maple Leaf, looks the same on both sides. It has a red background with a white square in the middle. Inside this square is a red maple leaf with eleven points.

The maple leaf has been a symbol of Canada since the 1800s. It appeared on coats of arms for Ontario and Quebec starting in 1868. The colours red and white became Canada’s official colours in 1921, and they are now widely recognized as the nation’s colours. The design of the maple leaf on the flag was chosen because it looked clear even in windy weather.

History

See also: Historical flags of the British Empire and the overseas territories, Canadian Red Ensign, and Union Jack

Long ago, explorers carried different flags when they came to what is now Canada. John Cabot brought the Saint George's Cross in 1497, and Jacques Cartier planted a cross with the French coat of arms in 1534.

Later, Canada used flags from Britain. The Union Flag, often called the "Union Jack," was used from the time settlers came to Nova Scotia in 1621. Even after Canada became more independent in 1931, this flag stayed until 1965. Before that, some people used a flag called the United Empire Loyalist flag, which looked very much like the Union Jack.

Shortly after Canada became its own country in 1867, people wanted a flag that was special just for Canada. The first Canadian flag was used by the leader of Canada and had a Union Jack with a shield of symbols from different parts of Canada, surrounded by maple leaves. In 1870, a red flag with a special shield became popular. By 1892, this red flag was officially allowed for use at sea.

In 1921, the shield changed to the coat of arms of Canada. In 1924, it was allowed to be used on buildings overseas. In 1925, a leader tried to create a new flag but it didn’t work out. Still, people kept asking for their own special flag.

By World War II, the red flag with the shield was seen as Canada’s main flag. In 1945, a group was formed to pick a new flag. They got many ideas from people and suggested a red flag with a golden maple leaf. But the leader at the time didn’t agree, so the old flag stayed.

Great Flag Debate

Main article: Great Canadian flag debate

In the 1960s, there was a big debate about getting a new flag for Canada. In 1963, the leader, Lester B. Pearson, decided to pick a new flag. He wanted one that was special to Canada and not like flags from other countries.

Pearson asked someone to start planning a new flag. In 1964, he showed a design with three red maple leaves on a white background with blue edges. This design caused many arguments in government.

A new group was formed to decide on the flag. They looked at many ideas and finally chose a design with one big red maple leaf on a white square, with red bars on the sides. This design was suggested by a teacher at a military college. After many talks and votes, this became Canada’s new flag.

The design was approved by Parliament in December 1964 and by the Senate in 1964.

Proclamation

After Parliament decided on the new flag, a special document was made for the Queen of Canada to sign. This document was beautifully written and painted. It was signed by Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister Lester Pearson, and others.

The document was signed in different places and then brought together. Over time, the paint started to peel, so it was fixed up and kept safe.

Adoption

The new flag was officially raised on February 15, 1965, in Ottawa. A crowd watched as the old flag was lowered and the new maple leaf flag went up. People sang songs and leaders spoke about how the flag showed Canada’s unity. Even though some people didn’t like the change, the new flag became a symbol of Canada. In 2015, Canada celebrated the 50th anniversary of the flag.

Alternative flags

Former flags

Old flags that once stood for Canada are still sometimes used today. The Royal Union Flag is a symbol of Canada’s place in the Commonwealth of Nations and its tie to the Crown. It is raised next to Canada’s flag on special days like Commonwealth Day, Victoria Day, and the anniversary of the Statute of Westminster. It can also be seen at the National War Memorial during events that honor Canada’s role with other Commonwealth countries in times of war. Canada’s flag always comes first.

The Royal Union Flag is part of the designs for the flags of Ontario and Manitoba. A simpler version appears on the flags of British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador. Some leaders in Canada’s provinces once used a special flag based on the Royal Union Flag, but this practice ended in 2024 for the leader of Nova Scotia.

Another old flag, called the Red Ensign, is still used at some events. It was raised to mark the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 2007. Some people thought it was wrong to treat it the same as Canada’s flag, while others felt it was important to remember Canada’s past.

Sovereign's Flag

The Sovereign's Flag for Canada comes from the coat of arms of Canada. It shows the coat of arms on a flag. This flag is used to show where the Canadian monarch is, not as Canada’s national flag.

Flags of nations in Canada

In Quebec, people often fly the provincial flag instead of Canada’s flag. This flag has a white cross on a blue background with four fleurs-de-lis. In areas where French-Canadian culture is strong, called the Maritime provinces, the Acadian flag is also seen as a national symbol.

[Flag of Acadia](/wiki/Flag_of_Acadia)

[Flag of Quebec](/wiki/Flag_of_Quebec)

Protocol

There are no strict laws about how to use the Canadian flag, but Canadian Heritage has shared some guidelines. These rules explain when and where to fly the flag, how to place it with other flags, and ways to show respect for it. These tips were last updated on February 24, 2022.

The flag can be shown on buildings run by the Government of Canada, at airports, military bases, and diplomatic offices. People can also display it at home any time they like. When flying the flag, it should be on a pole and placed higher than other flags, except for special flags like the sovereign’s flag, the governor general’s flag, flags of the Canadian Royal Family, or the lieutenant governors’ flags. The flag is sometimes flown at half-mast to show sadness or respect.

Canadian Forces sovereign's flag for Canada governor general's flag Canadian Royal Family lieutenant governors flown at half-mast in Canada

Promoting the flag

Since Canada adopted its flag in 1965, the government has run programs to help people learn about and show pride in it. These programs include ones led by the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Department of Public Works. They have made the flag more visible and helped people feel it is part of Canada's identity.

Special events, like National Flag of Canada Day on February 15, celebrate the flag. Leaders have also encouraged everyone to fly the flag proudly, especially on important anniversaries.