History of Canada Canada

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History of CanadaCanadas Maple Leaf Flag

• Before 1965, Canadas official flag was the Union
  Jack, Britains 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.

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History of CanadaCanadas Maple Leaf Flag

• In 1948, Quebec adopted the fleur-de-lys as its
  provincial flag.
• Quebec was stating its nationalist intentions
  within Canadas federation.
• On June 24, Quebec celebrates St. Jean Baptiste
  Day. It is the light of the world event.

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History of CanadaCanadas 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 Canadas Red Ensign flag.

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History of CanadaCanadas 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 Canadas role.
• Canada was also a growing multicultural society.
  
• The Prime Minister was Liberal Lester B. Pearson.

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History of CanadaCanadas Maple Leaf Flag

• The new designs would purposefully have to avoid
• ? Symbols, events or word in English and
  FrenchCanada had two founding nations to
  represent
• ? Religious symbolsCanada was a growing
  multicultural society with many religions

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History of CanadaCanadas Maple Leaf Flag

• A number of different designs were considered.
• ? The Maple Leaf was used because it was already
  used as a symbol in Canadas 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.

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History of CanadaCanadas 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 Diefenbakers
  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.

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History of CanadaCanadas Maple Leaf Flag

• Closure was used. Closure is a rule to limit the
  amount of time to discuss a bill. Debate ended
  at 0230 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.