The Union Flag ordered by King James 1 of Great Britain (formerly James V1 of Scotland), 1606, marked the union of the two thrones, England and Scotland. After leaving the Thirteen Colonies, following the American Revolution in 1776, the United Empire Loyalists entered Canada bearing this flag which was now known as The Loyalist Flag.

This flag was composed of the Cross of St. George, patron saint of England (a red cross on a white background) and the Cross of St. Andrew, patron saint of Scotland (a diagonal white cross on a blue background).

By 1707, the flag was known as the Union Jack and was accepted as the flag of the British Empire. The Union referring to the union of England and Scotland and the word "Jack" coming from the same root as Jacket referring to the coat which warriors and knights wore for protection as early as the Crusades. The cross of the patron saint of each warrior was sewn on his surcoat and served as identification.

The Royal Union Jack became the official flag of Great Britain in 1801 when the cross of St. Patrick of Ireland was incorporated in the first Union Flag. The Union Jack is flown in Canada today as the national flag of the United Kingdom and as a symbol of Canada's membership in the Commonwealth and as allegiance to Queen Elizabeth 11.

However, because those Loyal to Great Britain during the American Revolution (the Loyalists) fought and, in some cases died, under the first Royal Union Flag, it continues to serve as the official flag of The United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada and its branches.