Every year on July 1, Canadians wear red and white and wave the National flag that proclaims our love for our country. Though the patriotic feelings have always been there, the flag, like our National Anthem, was a long time coming.
Twelve year old Nathan from Bracebridge Ontario asks: "When was the Canadian flag first introduced; who designed it; what was our national symbol before we had a flag; and what would happen if someone deliberately "messed with" it?
In 1925, a Committee of the Privy Council was exploring flag design ideas, but the project fizzled out. Then in 1946 a parliamentary committee called for and received design submissions, and that attempt too was dropped.
In 1964, Prime Minister Lester Pearson initiated another attempt to create a unique flag for Canada. This time the committee narrowed the choices down to three controversial possibilities: a version of the Red Ensign which included the fleur-de-lys; the Union Jack; and a red flag with a single 11-point maple leaf on a white square.
The Canadian Red Ensign had been officially approved as Canada's "distinctive" flag in 1945 and it was the flag under which the Canadian Army had fought. The Union Flag, also called Union Jack, was created for the Union of Great Britain and Ireland in 1801, but acknowledged by Canada too as a member of the British Commonwealth.
Since red and white were proclaimed Canada's official colours by King George V in 1921, and the same year the Royal Arms of Canada declared the maple leaf a distinctive Canadian emblem, there was sound historical precedent for the flag that was finally chosen.
The suggestion, however, came from Professor George Stanley and was based on the flag of the Royal Military College of Canada. The maple leaf flag became our primary national symbol on February 15, 1965. Thirty-one years later, Prime Minister Jean ChrÉtien made February 15 "National Flag of Canada Day.
In many countries it is illegal to intentionally destroy, damage or cause indignity to the country's flag. Though strongly discouraged in Canada, disrespect for the flag is not a legal issue. Our flag has been misused in order to make a point by both politicians and man-on-the-street protesters. However, the Trademarks Act does protect our National Flag from unauthorized use. Requests to use the flag in a new or unusual way must be faxed to the Department of Canadian Heritage, and you can also visit the Canadian Heritage Site athttp://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/ceem-cced/symbl/df1-eng.cfm, to see the rules for flying and displaying our country's internationally respected symbol.
Thank you, Nathan for a timely and interesting question.
