Canada Flag

The Canada flag did not always display the ever popular Maple Leaf.  On February 15th, 1965 an official ceremony was held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa as the old Canada flag was replaced with the new.  The new Canada flag symbolized the unity of the Nation of Canada and all its people despite race, color or belief.  The design itself comes from a strong sense of history in Canada.

The colors red and white, combined together, are based on the General Service medal issued by Queen Victoria.  They soon were considered to be Canada’s national colors.  The single red maple leaf came from the design worn by all Canadian Olympic Athletes. However, Canada’s aboriginal people who used maple sap, which they gathered in the springtime, first recognized the maple leaf.  It is believed that the maple leaf has been a Canadian symbol since the 1700’s. 

Just as in the United States, the Canada flag symbolizes the unity of the Canadian people.  The Canada flag symbolizes honor and pride and should be treated with respect.  There are no government policies or official laws, only past practices, on how to display or handle the Canada flag.  There are guidelines, which have been practiced for years and the Canadian people respect in handling the Canada flag.  Unlike the United States, there is not a specific pledge to the Canada flag. 

The guidelines that have been established are there so the Canadian people know how to display the Canada flag alone or along with other flags, such as those of the Provinces or Territories.  The guidelines tell where the venues are where the Canada flag can be used, and how, so that it is still presented with honor.

The Canada flag is typically displayed on Canadian government buildings, military bases, diplomatic buildings, and private homes. It is flown on its own pole and placed first before others.  A half-mast flown flag indicates mourning. As in any country, there are customs that the Canadian people follow when it comes the Canada flag.