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History of Canada Canada’s Maple Leaf Flag

History of Canada Canada’s Maple Leaf Flag. Before 1965, Canada’s official flag was the Union Jack, Britain’s national flag.

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History of Canada Canada’s Maple Leaf Flag

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  1. History of CanadaCanada’s Maple Leaf Flag • Before 1965, Canada’s official flag was the Union Jack, Britain’s national flag. • At the same time, the Red Ensign (the Old) with the Union Jack in one corner and the Canadian Coat of Arms in another corner together on a red background was raised on Canadian flagpoles.

  2. History of CanadaCanada’s Maple Leaf Flag • In 1948, Quebec adopted the fleur-de-lys as its provincial flag. • Quebec was stating its nationalist intentions within Canada’s federation. • On June 24, Quebec celebrates St. Jean Baptiste Day. It is the “light of the world” event.

  3. History of CanadaCanada’s Maple Leaf Flag • During the 1956 Suez Crisis, Britain had invaded Egypt to try and prevent Egypt from nationalizing the Egyptian oil industry. • To maintain peace, Canada sent troops as part of the UN peacekeeping force. • The Egyptians protested the clear British elements on Canada’s Red Ensign flag.

  4. History of CanadaCanada’s Maple Leaf Flag • Canada needed a new flag to reflect its growing identity. • Canada was a Middle Power in world organizations such as the United Nations. A distinct flag was needed to describe Canada’s role. • Canada was also a growing multicultural society. • The Prime Minister was Liberal Lester B. Pearson.

  5. History of CanadaCanada’s Maple Leaf Flag • The new designs would purposefully have to avoid…  Symbols, events or word in English and French…Canada had “two founding nations” to represent  Religious symbols…Canada was a growing multicultural society with many religions

  6. History of CanadaCanada’s Maple Leaf Flag • A number of different designs were considered.  The Maple Leaf was used because it was already used as a symbol in Canada’s army.  A “sea-to-sea” design was wanted. That design had blue borders (sea) with three joined maple leaves.  The final flag was designed by George F.G. Stanley. It was based on the flag flown at RMC in Kingston.

  7. History of CanadaCanada’s Maple Leaf Flag • Using a filibuster delay in Parliament (a filibuster means talking endlessly to prevent other government work until the bill (proposed law) is dropped), John Diefenbaker’s Conservatives stated their objections for 33 days. • It looked like a new flag design would not be selected before the government stopped working for a period. In effect, this would “kill” the action.

  8. History of CanadaCanada’s Maple Leaf Flag • Closure was used. Closure is a rule to limit the amount of time to discuss a bill. Debate ended at 02:30 on 15 December 1964. The bill passed, and MPs rose to their feet to sing O Canada. • Senate approval was granted two days later. • Royal Assent was granted 28 January 1965 and the new flag was officially unveiled on 15 February 1965. This day is officially Flag Day in Canada.

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