The Creation of the National Flag

The National Flag of Canada was adopted in 1965, two years prior to the centennial of Confederation, and has since become a universally recognized emblem. Symbol of citizenship and sovereignty in Canada and abroad, the flag pays homage to Canada’s natural and cultural history through the use of the maple leaf and traditional red and white colours. While today a familiar and iconic symbol of Canada, the flag’s adoption came after considerable debate about Canadian identity and about the type of flag that could best represent Canada, in all its regional and cultural diversity.

Before 1965, Canada’s official flag was Britain’s Union Jack but the Red Ensign, a red flag with the Union Jack in the upper corner and the Canadian Coat of Arms in the other half, was often used as Canada’s national emblem. The government first attempted to adopt a national flag in 1924-25, and over the next 20 years, the national flag question was raised repeatedly in Parliament. The idea of adopting a “distinctive” Canadian flag (in place of the Union Jack) gained support after the Second World War.

During the electoral campaign of 1963, Lester B. Pearson promised to give Canada a national flag within two years. In the face of a changing demographic, economic, and political situation at home, it was hoped that a distinctive national symbol, created in time for the celebration of Canada’s centennial, would unite Canadians. Upon his election, Pearson formally submitted to Parliament a potential new flag (designed by heraldic expert Alan B. Beddoe): three red maple leaves on a single stem on a white background with blue bars on either side. This option was strongly criticized, including by a segment of the population that continued to favour the Red Ensign as Canada’s emblem. As a result, the government established a 15-member all-party Parliamentary committee to study the issue. Over six weeks, the committee considered nearly 2,000 designs, and finally narrowed their decision down to three options. The committee’s final choice – a single leaf red-and-white design proposed by Canadian historian George F.G. Stanley – was rooted in Canadian culture and history. Red and white were formally established as Canada’s official national colours in 1921 and are historically part of the tradition of both France and England, while the maple leaf had long served as a symbol of Canada. When the final choice was brought forward to Parliament, it was followed by 33 days of debate. Finally, on December 15th, 1964, the issue came to a vote, and the maple leaf design was endorsed in the House of Commons by a vote of 163 to 78.

The winning flag design was created by graphic artist Jacques St-Cyr. The proclamation was signed by the Queen in January 1965, and the Maple Leaf officially became Canada’s national flag on February15th, the first day it was flown on Parliament Hill. In 1996, that date was declared National Flag of Canada Day and has been observed every year since. 

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