Ceremonial and protocol services

If you are planning a foreign dignitary visit, an international conference or ceremonial event, learn about our ceremonial and protocol services.

Description of services

Precision and attention to detail ensures that your event will go above and beyond your expectations. We provide ceremonial equipment for small and large events and everything in between, including:

• visits by heads of state or government: set-ups may include arrival and departures at the Canada Reception Centre, official welcoming ceremonies and state dinners
• high-profile events such as Remembrance Day, Canada Day celebrations, royal visits and commemorative ceremonies
• ceremonial government events such as:
  • opening of Parliament
  • Speech from the Throne
  • state funerals
  • swearing in of Cabinet
• Governor General's residence events such as:
  • welcoming ceremonies with military honours
  • tree planting ceremonies
  • awards ceremonies

Our ceremonial and protocol support services include:

• ceremonial and flag protocol advice
• logistical support services, including setup and dismantling for event
• interior and exterior flags, poles and bases
• red carpet for foreign dignitary and royal visits as well as for Prime Minister and Governor General events
• provision of resources and equipment shipping as required for events taking place all across Canada

Our ceremonial and protocol equipment rental includes the following:

• national, international and organizational flags
• red carpet
• ropes and stanchions
• barricades
• risers
• wreath stands

Delivery, shipping, setup and dismantling are available for an additional cost.

What to know before requesting our services

• Using a fringed Canadian flag
• Red carpet
• Displaying provincial and territorial flags
• Disposal of unserviceable or damaged flags

Using a fringed Canadian flag

In Canada, typically the Canadian fringed flag is only used:

• in a courthouse
• in an executive office
• at the entrance of a government building

It is intended to be more ceremonial and decorative and cannot be displayed with other flags unless you have an entire fringed set (Canada, provinces and territories) at the entrance of a government building. Fringed flags are usually displayed with a maple leaf finial. The fringed flag should not be used to flank a podium during speeches, events or ceremonies.

Red carpet

Red carpet is usually reserved for:

• the Prime Minister
• the Governor General
• a visiting head of state or government
• royal visits

Displaying provincial and territorial flags

The order of precedence for the provincial flags is according to the date of entry of the province into Confederation. The flags of the 3 territories are displayed in order of creation and follow those of the provinces.

One exception would be if a province/territory is hosting the event. That province/territory's flag would be displayed first, followed by the remaining provinces and territories as per the order of precedence noted above.

Disposal of unserviceable or damaged flags

When a flag becomes worn, noticeably faded or otherwise unfit for service, it should be disposed of privately by burning. This international convention is in no way a sign of disrespect to the flag.

Requesting these services

Want to learn more or request these services? Complete the Service request form or contact us for more information.

Related links

• Protocol for events and ceremonies
• Protocol guidelines for organizing or attending a special event
• Checklist for the organization of special events

From: Public Services and Procurement Canada