The National Flag of Canada

A Symbol Of Canadian Identity

The colours red and white used in the Canadian flag are the same as those colours used in the Union Flag (of the UK). Red and white are the national colours of Canada since 1921 (when they were proclaimed by King George V on the recommendation of the Canadian Government). The heraldic description of the Canadian National Flag is : Gules on a Canadian pale argent a maple leaf of the first.

The official ceremony inaugurating the new Canadian flag was held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on February 15, 1965, with Governor General Georges Vanier, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, the members of the Cabinet and thousands of Canadians in attendance.

The Canadian Red Ensign, bearing the Union Jack and the shield of the royal arms of Canada, was lowered and then, on the stroke of noon, our new maple leaf flag was raised. The crowd sang the national anthem O Canada followed by the royal anthem God Save the Queen.

The following words, spoken on that momentous day by the Honorable Maurice Bourget, Speaker of the Senate, added further symbolic meaning to our flag: "The flag is the symbol of the nation's unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada without distinction of race, language, belief or opinion."

Canadian Flag Etiquette

The flag of highest rank, per the standards referenced, is that of the Sovereign, who is also head of the British Commonwealth. Her flag is flown only on her places of residence and when at official functions within Canada. Other members of the royal family may be represented by their flags when in residence or on official duties in Canada, and then only the flag of the highest ranking royalty present. Note, the sovereign's flag to which I refer is the Queen's Canadian standard.

Next in rank is the Governor-General, who is the Queen's representative. His flag is flown at residence and office and when on official functions. Similarly, there is the standard of the Lt. Governor, whose flag has highest rank in each Province. The rules governing the display of the Governor-General's flag apply here as well. The order of next rank is the Canadian flag itself.
Heads of state visiting Canada have the standard of their office displayed next.

Then comes flags of other nations, followed by Provincial flags according to their entry into the confederation.

The Royal Union Flag or Union Jack is only designated to be displayed on Victoria Day, the anniversary of the Statute of Westminster and on Commonwealth Day. If there is only one flag pole, precedence is given the Canadian flag and the Union Jack display is omitted. Also of note in the protocol is the dual status of the Union Jack. When representing the United Kingdom, it is considered an international flag and therefore displayed with flags of other nations. When a symbol of the Commonwealth, it is displayed in lower protocol than the flags of the Provinces.

Naturally, there are exceptions to every rule. According to my research into Provincial laws passed in the past few years, it appears to be a standard that within a particular Province, when not a part of a national celebration, the Provincial flag is displayed in higher rank, followed by the flags of other Provinces. One Province, in particular, noting that legislation made it the first to display the flags of all Provinces in its chambers, set a protocol whereby the flags of the other provinces would line the chamber rather than occupy places of honor, these being reserved for the Canadian and their own Provincial flag.
Phillip Nelson - 18 June 1998

Folding the Canadian Flag

This reminds me of a query I had from a UK theatre company that was putting on a play that included a British military funeral. They too wanted to know how to fold the flag. The answer for both Canada and the UK is that there is no formal way of folding the flag. You simply fold it ready for use next time. The Canadian government website includes a diagram of how this is done for Canadian flags at http://www.pch.gc.ca/ceremonial-symb/Etiquette/fig24.htm but basically you fold in lengthwise (i.e. so you now have a flag four times as long as it is high) then again (i.e. 8 x 1) and then hold it three quarters of the way from the hoist back on itself and tie with light cotton. When the flag is hoisted on the pole, a sharp tug on the lower rope will break the cotton and the flag will fly free.
Graham Bartram - 27 April 1998

FLYING COLOURS

This is a printed nylon flag manufactured in Canada. The following suggestions will assist you in obtaining full value from your flag.

1. Where possible, a flag should be taken down every night.
2. Never store a wet or damp flag; spread it out until dry.
3. If soiled, a flag may be safely hand washed, using any domestic soap or detergent which does not contain bleach.
4. If slightly frayed or torn, a flag should be repaired at once. It could save the cost of a new flag.
5. When two or more than three flags are flown together, the Canadian flag should be on the left, as seen by spectators. Whenever three flags are flown, the Canadian flag should be in the middle.

When your flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner.

Protocol Order of Provincial/Territorial Flags

The following shows the display of the Canadian flag when displayed with provincial and territorial flags.

Single Line

Double line

V-shaped display

Key to Numbering

1. National Flag (Canada)
2. Ontario (1867)
3. Quebec (1867)
4. Nova Scotia (1867)
5. New Brunswick (1867)
6. Manitoba (1870)
7. British Columbia (1871)
8. Prince Edward Island (1873)
9. Saskatchewan (1905)
10. Alberta (1905)
11. Newfoundland (1949)
12. Northwest Territories (1870)
13. Yukon Territory (1898)
14. Nunavut (1999)

Following the national flag, provincial flags are displayed in order of the date joining the confederation, followed by territories.

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"0 Canada" was proclaimed Canada's national anthem on July 1,1980, 100 years after it was first sung on June 24, 1880. The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée, a well known composer; French lyrics to accompany the music were written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. The song gained steadily in popularity. Many English versions have appeared over the years. The version, on which the official English lyrics are based, was written in 1908 by Mr. justice Robert Stanley Weir. The official English version includes changes recommended in 1968 by a Special Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Commons. The French lyrics remain unaltered.

Official Lyrics of O Canada!

English:

O Canada!

Our home and native land!

True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,

The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

French:

Hymne national du Canada!

O Canada!

Terre de nos aïeux,

Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!

Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,

Il sait porter la croix!

Ton histoire est une épopée

Des plus brillants exploits.

Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,

Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

Protégera nos foyers et nos droits