February 15th is a special day in Canada. It is called the National Flag of Canada Day. On this day, we celebrate the Canadian Flag which was first raised on Parliament Hill on February 15, 1965. So, it is only about 50 years old.

Wait, isn’t Canada more than 150 years old? Why did it take so long for Canada to have a national flag? Read on to find out:

1. Canada used different flags prior to 1965

   Canada was not without a flag for nearly 100 years. It had flags that showed its strong ties to its founding nations. One of the earliest flags was the Banner of France, as well as the white flag of the French Royal Navy and the Red Ensign (flag of the British Merchant Marine). Canada also used the Royal Union Flag, more popularly known as the Union Jack. Before it had a national flag, Canada used the Union Flag on land and the Red Ensign with the shield of arms on federal buildings in Canada and abroad.

2. There were three failed attempts to create a national flag

   The idea of creating a national flag for Canada had been around since the 1800s. But despite many suggestions and design submissions, nothing was decided on. The first government attempt was in 1925. Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King set up a committee to design a flag. However, people had become attached to the Union Jack. Mackenzie King tried again in 1945-46. A total of 2,409 flag designs were submitted to the National Flag Committee. Most of them had maple leaves, but loyalty to the Union Jack remained strong.

3. Prime Minister Pearson promised a flag in two years

   In 1961, Secretary of State for External Affairs Lester (“Mike”) Pearson brokered a deal to end the Suez Crisis. He also volunteered Canadian troops to become peacekeepers. This offer was rejected because the troops carried the Red Ensign, a British symbol. This gave Pearson the impetus to work towards creating a national flag. He asked John Ross Matheson, an expert on heraldry, flags, ensigns, colours, and coats of arms, to help. When Pearson became Prime Minister in 1963, he promised that Canada would have a national flag in two years. About 5,900 designs were submitted to the Multi-Party Committee. The vote came down to two designs. The single-leaf design won the vote and was approved by the House of Commons and the Senate. The royal proclamation was signed by the Queen on January 28, 1965. The national flag was raised on February 15, 1965, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario.

 

Canada's Flag – How it was brought to fruition from Canadian Flag Education Centre on Vimeo.

4. The Great Flag Debate

   Just like in the 1800s, 1925 and 1946, the creation of the national flag was met with strong opposition. People were attached to the Canadian Red Ensign, the Union Jack, or the Fleurdelisé (Quebec’s provincial flag). After two years of studies, consultations, and calls for designs, the Committee presented one design to the House of Commons. This resulted in six months of debates, involving 308 speeches! After a vote, the current flag was approved with a result of 163-78.

5. Who designed the Canadian Flag?

   John Ross Matheson is the Father of the Canadian Flag. The actual design is attributed to Dr. George Stanley. He submitted two designs. One had a red maple leaf in the centre, and the other had three maple leaves on one stem. Stanley’s design supported red and white as Canada’s official colours and the use of a well-stylized maple leaf. Matheson’s slight variation of Stanley’s design (choosing only one maple leaf with a background of a white box in the middle) unified the image, making the Canadian flag one of the most recognizable and respected national symbols in the world.

Respect and reverence for the flag

Did you know that adding elements to the flag or using it as a tablecloth are prohibited?

The National Flag of Canada is an important national symbol. It should be used only in a manner that is appropriate. The National Flag takes priority over all other national flags (except for Flags of the Royal Family) when flown in Canada. It should be flown on its own mast. When it is raised or lowered (or carried in a parade) everyone should face the flag, remain silent, and remove their hats. Those in uniform should salute.

The flag can’t be used as a tablecloth, seat cover, box cover, or as a stage or platform curtain. It should not be used to cover a statue, monument or plaque for an unveiling ceremony. You cannot pin or sew anything on the flag; also don’t sign on it or draw on it in any way.

You can pin the Canadian flag to your clothes or backpack, wear it on your shirt, or fly it proudly in your front yard, but remember to leave the design as it is. Remember that it is an image that many people worked hard for and fought over to symbolize the country. It deserves respect.
 
Article updated February 15, 2024.
 
Sources: Auguste Vachon and John Ross Matheson, National Flag of Canada, The Canadian Encyclopedia, June 15, 2015; Rules for flying the national flag of Canada, Canada.ca. Both accessed on February 13, 2017.