Canada Day is round the corner. I am sure you have noticed Maple Leaf flags proudly floating in the wind throughout the country. The Canadian flag is a very important symbol. It reflects our nation’s values of equality,, peace and freedom. Among Canadian citizens, residents, newcomers and visitors, the National Flag of Canada creates a shared sense of pride, belonging and unity. It stands out both at home and abroad as one of the most recognizable symbols representing our country. Let’s learn some very important facts about Canada’s flag.
Did you know?
#1
In 1964, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson proposed to solve the issue of the lack of an official Canadian flag in time for Canada’s centennial celebrations in 1967. Out of three choices, the maple leaf design by George Stanley, based on the flag of the Royal Military College of Canada, was selected.
©Cliff Buckman, PA-213164 Library and Archives Canada
#2
It was approved by Parliament in 1964 and ratified by a royal proclamation from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on January 28, 1965. The flag was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill on February 15, 1965.
#3
Since 1996, we have celebrated National Flag of Canada Day every year on February 15.
#4
The stylized maple leaf on the flag has 11 points. The original leaf had 13 points, but because this design was hard to recognize as a maple leaf from a distance, it was changed to its current 11-point design to improve the clarity of the symbol.
#5
The national colours of Canada that you can see on the flag were declared by King George V in 1921. Red symbolizes England and white, France. The maple leaf represents the cultural heritage of Canada and the vast natural resources found in the country. You may also hear that the red colour represents hope and prosperity and the white colour, peace and tranquility.
Very interesting!