The Canadian Red Ensign
Canada's Royal Union Flag
Canada's National Flag
This is the flag that was used by Loyalist troops during the American Rebellion. It includes the first Union Jack, proclaimed in 1707. The cross of St. Patrick was not included as part of the Union Jack until 1801. After the British lost the rebellion many Loyalists moved north and settled in the British colonies that stayed loyal to the Crown(present day Canada). The Loyalists brought the Red Ensign with them and it has been used in Canada ever since. Both Ontario and Manitoba use a form of the Red Ensign as their provicial flags.
The Canadian Red Ensign is the same as the Loyalist Red Ensign except with the addition of St. Patrick's Cross and the Canadian Coat of Arms.
(The Union Jack)
"The Union Jack was approved by [Canada's] Pariament on December 18, 1964 for continued use in Canada to symbolize Canada's membership in the Commonwealth of Nations and [most importantly] her allegiance to the crown."
"The [Maple Leaf] was approved by Parliament and proclaimed by Her Majesty the Queen on February 15, 1965."
