HISTORY OF OUR FLAG
FLAG PROTOCOL
ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
FLAG ETIQUETTE
FLAG BREAKING

HISTORY OF OUR FLAG

On 21 August, 1860, the Prince of Wales was visiting Canada for the first real Royal visit. People lined the streets of Toronto to see him - those of English origin wore a rose, the Scots wore a thistle, but what were the Canadian-born to wear? Canada's emblem had long been the beaver. 26 years earlier the Saint Jean Baptiste Society in Quebec had adopted the maple leaf as its symbol (apparently the first time the maple leaf was used as a symbol), and it was decreed that for the prince's visit the Canadians should wear a maple leaf. This is where the maple leaf became an "official symbol of Canada. In 1867, as Canada was becoming a country, a call was put out to write a patriotic song. The winner was "The Maple Leaf for Ever", a song which became very popular.

In World War 1, Lester Pearson noted that almost every battalion from Canada included the maple leaf in its insignia, and vowed he would see to having the leaf put on the flag. In 1918, Major General Sir Eugene Fiset had recommended that Canada's emblem be the single red maple leaf on a white field - as worn by all Canadian Olympic athletes since 1904. Red and white were proclaimed as Canada's national colours by King George V in 1921. 

Early in 1964, the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Lester B. Pearson, informed the House of Commons of the government's desire to adopt a distinctive national flag for Canada. He personally proposed a flag with three red maple leaves between two blue borders. After reviewing the hundreds of designs submitted by experts and other Canadians, the Senate and House of Commons Committee set about classifying the designs. The committee eventually decided to recommend the single-leaf design. The Canadian Flag was approved of the House of Commons on December 15, 1964, and proclaimed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to take effect on February 15, 1965.

FLAG PROTOCOL

When the Canadian Flag is displayed on a staff placed on a platform, stage it should be to the right of the speaker.
When the Colours (flags) are used in the Cub circle, the Canadian Flag is always on the Leader's right, the Pack Flag on his left as he faces the pack.
If the Canadian Flag is displayed vertically, the top point of the maple leaf should be to the left and the stem to the right, as seen by spectators.
The Canadian Flag should not be used to cover the speaker’s table or draped in front of the platform, nor should it be allowed to touch the floor.
When displayed with another flag with crossed staffs against a wall, the Canadian Flag should be on the observer’s left with its staff in front of the other staff.
If a number of flags are carried in a procession or parade, the Canadian Flag should be in the position of honour at the marching right or at the centre front.
Everyone should stand at attention when the Canadian Flag is carried past and when the National Anthem is played or sung.

ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

National Flag of Canada
Flags of other sovereign nations (in alphabetical order)
Flags of Canadian Provinces, then Flags of the Territories (precedence is determined by date of entry into *Confederation; first the Provinces, and then the Territories)
World Scouting Flag
Scout's Canada Flag
Scout Flag
Cub Flag
Beaver Flag/Banner

When any of the above are not present, continue with the next flag in order of precedent.
* 1. Ontario (1867) 2. Quebec (1867) 3. Nova Scotia (1867) 4. New Brunswick (1867) 5. Manitoba (1870) 6. British Columbia (1871) 7. Prince Edward Island (1873) 8. Saskatchewan (1905) 9. Alberta (1905) 10. Newfoundland (1949) 11. Northwest Territories (1870) 12. Yukon (1898) 13. Nunavut (1999)

FLAG ETIQUETTE

There are certain rules on how some flags are used. The following are a few of the most common questions about the use of our national flag:

Is it okay to leave the Canadian flag flying at night?
Answer: Yes

Is it okay to let the Canadian flag touch the floor or ground, or use it as a table drape or cover?
Answer: No

May it be used to unveil a picture, plaque, monument, and so on?
Answer: Yes, but remember, the flag must not touch the floor.

It is it okay to display or fly another flag, banner or pennant above the Canadian flag?
Answer: No. Also, flags flown together should be of about the same size and flown from separate staffs at the same height.

When the Canadian flag is not flown on a staff or flag pole, how should it be displayed?
Answer: It may be hung horizontally or vertically. If hung horizontally on the wall at the back of a platform, the flag should be behind and above any person who is speaking from the platform. If hung vertically against a wall, the top of the maple leaf should be on the left and the stem to the right as seen by the spectators.

In a parade, procession or mounted ride, where should the Canadian flag be displayed?
Answer: In the position of honour at the marching right or centre front.

What are some other rules that apply to "the position of honour"?
1. When two or more than three flags are flown together, the Canadian flag should be on the left as seen by the spectators located in front of the flags; when a number of countries are represented, the Canadian flag may be flown at each end of the line of flags.
2. When three flags are flown together, the Canadian flag should be in the centre position, with the other flags in alphabetical order, as seen by the spectators viewing the flags.
3. When more than one flag is flown, and it is impossible to raise or lower the flags at the same time, the Canadian flag should be raised first and lowered last.

FLAG BREAKING

Links: Flag Etiquette in Canada

This material can be used to fulfill partial requirements for the Purple Star

February 20, 2001