Which symbols could be chosen to represent and characterize Canada and its values? But creating an entirely new flag was no easy feat. Appeals for such a flag increased steadily in the early 20th century. Early flags The royal union flag (Union Jack)īeyond a new coat of arms, many Canadians also wanted a new, distinctive Canadian flag to represent them. Read more about flying the National Flag of Canada. For example, the National Flag should never touch the ground. Specific etiquette and protocols apply to the National Flag of Canada. While the quest for a national flag for Canada dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the flag as we know it today emerged from the major social transformations during the 1950s and 1960s in the lead up to the 100th anniversary of Confederation in 1967. Maybe you’ve even sewn one on to your backpack and travelled the world! Regardless of where you see it, the National Flag of Canada stands out both at home and abroad as one of the most striking and recognizable symbols representing Canada.īut has Canada always had its iconic red and white maple leaf flag to showcase itself to the world? It may surprise you to learn that our flag is relatively young and that it has an eventful history.
Maybe you’ve waved a paper hand flag on Canada Day, or worn it as a pin on your jacket. You’ve seen it proudly flying throughout the country. View the Timeline: Canada’s National Flag