Canadian Flag Turns 30 Years Old

Liberal Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson decided that Canada needed a flag to mark its maturity as a nation. The Federal Government considered more than 200 designs before selecting the one by George Stanley. On February 15, 1965, the Canadian flag was raised for the first time.

The Royal Military College flag in Kingston, Ontario, inspired Stanley's design. Incorporating the national emblem, the maple leaf, it was felt that the flag could easily be reproduced by school children.

The flag was the next important step in Canada's development. In 1963, the Government questioned accepting U.S. nuclear weaponry. The rising of Quebec Nationalism started La Revolution Tranquille and caused bombings in English-speaking districts of Montreal. In 1964, a national pension was introduced, followed by national health insurance in 1965. The new flag neutralized the country.

Today the Canadian flag symbolizes peace and security worldwide.

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This article appeared in the May 1995 issue of Hot Chocolate.

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