Canada Flag

Maple Leaf: The stylized 11-point red maple leaf is one of Canada's most recognizable symbols, representing Canadian identity since the 19th century. It emerged as a symbol of pride, courage and loyalty, notably used as the cap badge by the Canadian Expeditionary Force in WWI. Red and White: Canada's national colours have historically been used by many founding nations of Canada. Many Canadians embrace these colours as representative of natural features: the white of winter snows and the red of autumnal maple leaves. White Square (Canadian Pale): The central white square represents unity and serves as the field for the maple leaf.

Canada's flag journey began with European colonial flags, particularly French flags, followed by the Union Jack after British colonization. The Canadian Red Ensign, combining the Union Jack with Canada's shield, served unofficially from the 1870s and officially from 1921-1965. The flag debate intensified after the 1956 Suez Crisis when Canadian peacekeepers' Red Ensign (containing the Union Jack) was mistaken for an invading nation's flag. Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson promised to resolve 'the flag problem' by 1967's centennial. The Great Flag Debate of 1964 saw fierce parliamentary discussion between those wanting to retain colonial symbols and those seeking uniquely Canadian ones. George Stanley's single maple leaf design, inspired by the Royal Military College flag, was selected from thousands of submissions. John Matheson's leadership helped achieve consensus. The flag was refined by graphic artists, changing from Stanley's original 13-point leaf to Jacques St-Cyr's 11-point design for better visibility.

Background: Red field with 2:1 proportions. Central Element: White square (Canadian pale) spanning the full width of the flag. Maple Leaf: Stylized 11-point red maple leaf centered in the white square, designed for optimal visibility and recognition from distance. The original 13-point design was changed to 11 points to improve clarity in windy conditions and from far distances. Color Specifications: Maintained by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) under three national standards for outdoor use (CAN/CGSB-98.1-2023), indoor use (CAN/CGSB-98.2-2023), and one-event use (CAN/CGSB-98.3-2023).

Governed by established practice rather than legislation, following federal government guidelines adapted from international usage. The National Flag should never touch the ground or be dipped when carried. Flag etiquette includes proper half-masting procedures where the flag is positioned exactly halfway down the mast, and must be raised to the masthead before being lowered to half-mast position. The Department of Canadian Heritage establishes protocol for federal buildings, properties and institutions. The Canadian Armed Forces Directorate of History and Heritage regulates military flag use. The Canadian Heraldic Authority (established 1988) oversees official heraldic emblems including flags. The flag and maple leaf are protected symbols under the Trademarks Act. Historical flags may be displayed alongside the National Flag but must fly lower and away from it, never replacing it. The blazon (heraldic description) is 'Gules on a Canadian pale Argent a maple leaf Gules' (red maple leaf on white vertical band on red field).