St. George's Cross
This is reportedly the first flag to be flown on Canadian soil. This is an English flag from the 15th century and was carried by John Cabot, a Venetian who sailed under Engish colours at that time. He apparently landed on the east coast of Canada in 1497, planting the St. George's Cross there. |
 |
Fleur-de-lis
 |
This flag was carried by Jacques Cartier who landed and claimed the "Canadian new world for France," in 1534. This flag remained a symbol of French sovereignty in Canada until the early 1760s, when Canada was relinquished to the United Kingdom. There were a variety of other military flags used by the french, but, none received the prestigiousness of the Fleur-de-lis, which even to this day hold a place of promiinence in Quebec. |
Royal Union Flag
Although this flag was first flown over Canada in 1621, it only became the official British flag during the early 1760s. It is more commonly knows as the Union Jack. Britain used the Royal Union flag in all establishments on the North American continent. Historians often refer to this flag as the flag of Canada's United Empire Loyalists. |
 |
After the Act of Union between Great Britian and
Ireland in 1801, the Royal Union flag underwent new changes. The
diagonal Cross of St. Patrick was incorporated with England's St. George's
Cross and Scotland's Cross of St. Andrew. This then became the new
Royal Union Flag and was used all across British North America. Canada
still continued to use this flag even after Confederation in 1867.
 |
The Union Jack was the affirmed national symbol from 1904 and was the flag under which Canadian troops fought during the First World WarThe Union Jack maintains its presence in Canada through its incorporation in the provincial flags of Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia |
The Red Ensign
The Red Ensign was created in 1707, and was known
as the flag of the British Merchant Marines.
|
 |
As each new province joined Confederation or upon a mark of identification, that mark was incorporated into the shield of the Canadian Red Ensign. By the turn of the century, the shield was made up of the coat of arms of the seven provinces then in Confederation.
In 1924, the Red Ensign was changed by an Order in Council and the composite shield was replaced with the shield from the royal arms of Canada, which is commonly known as the Canadian Coat of Arms. In 1945 authorization was given for the use of this flag on federal buildings within Canada as well as government buildings abroad. This flag was used until February 15th 1965, when it was replaced by Canada's new flag, the red and white maple leaf.
Get your own Free Home
Page