Birth of the Canadian Flag

The first time the idea for a new Canadian flag began in earnest in 1925. A committee of the Privy Council began researching possible designs but their work was never completed.

A select parliamentary committee was appointed in 1946 with the mandate of finding a design for a new Canadian flag. Although this committee reviewed over 2,600 designs, Parliament was never called to formally vote on this issue.

Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson informed the House of Commons in 1964, that the government was making plans to adopt a distinctive national flag. They wanted to complete these plans before the centennial celebration of Confederation in 1967. Consequently a Senate and House of Commons Committee was formed and once again submissions were called for. The committee was actually able to decide on a design, which was the single-leaf design that was approved by resolution of the House of Commons on December 15, 1964, followed by the Senate on December 17. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed that the new flag was to take effect on February 15, 1965. So, after many years of debates, Canada finally had its' own national flag.

Who is Responsible for the design

Credit for the design of Canada's national flag can not go to one person alone. If you look back in history the maple leaf was always associated with Canada and her people. Shortly after its founding in 1834, the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste proposed the maple leaf as Canada's emblem. In 1836, Le Canadien, a newspaper published in Lower Canada, referred to the maple leaf as a suitable emblem for Canada. Therefor we can say the design arose based on a strong sense of Canadian history and the collaboration of several Canadians.

Credit must be given to the following people who are responsible for what the national flag looks like today. The stylised maple leaf -- was designed by Mr. Jacques St. Cyr while the proportions of the flag were outlined in a proposal to the Committee made by Mr. George Bist, a World War II veteran, and the precise coloration of the flag defined by Dr. Gunter Wyszechi.

Pledge to the Canadian flag