Declared for the first time in 1996, National Flag of Canada Day commemorates February 15th, the first time the iconic flag was raised. Canadians from all over Canada join together to show their unity, values and pride to work towards a vision of Canada where everyone thrives. This day is marked by raising the flag, and ceremonies or educational programs in schools to share Canadian pride and promote the day.
Why is it important?
Regardless of where you see it, the National Flag of Canada stands out as one of the most recognizable symbols representing Canada. However, Canada has not always had its iconic red and white maple leaf flag. In fact, the quest for a national flag started far earlier than one may think. Flag Day is important because it commemorates the history of the Canadian flag, and connects Canadians to their geography and identity. The celebration and recognition of the day fosters national pride and recognition of what it truly means to be Canadian, uniting people under a common emblem. It is also an opportunity for schools and communities to teach younger generations about the flag’s significance, and the principles it represents.
More about the flag:
The Canadian flag embodies many aspects of Canadian culture. The colors honor the nation’s history and geography, with the colors red and white representing red maple leaves, snow, and peace while the maple leaf signifies the land, uniting the ten provinces and three territories. From maple trees being used by First Nations, to the maple leaf being used on Armed Forces members’ uniforms, maples have been a crucial part of Canadian identity. The flag symbolizes the dreams and sacrifices of the nation, as well as the resilience and unwavering determination of the people. The flag is recognizable worldwide as it is the only one in the world to have a maple leaf.
History of the flag:
In the beginning, Canada used the United Kingdom’s Royal Union Flag, but after World War II, Lester B. Pearson declared that they needed a flag to define Canada as a unified and independent country. He created a flag committee in 1964, that resolved the “Great Flag Debate”, resulting in the flag we know today. February 15 marks when the Canadian flag was raised for the first time on Parliament hill in 1965. The Canadian flag was introduced to be a symbol of unity, and to represent all Canadians. It marks the definitive step in Canada establishing its own national symbol, separate from British flags. Historically, the maple leaf has been used as a decorative and ornamental in Canadian art, medals, badges, and coat of arms, serving to distinguish Canadians abroad.
Events and celebrations:
Annually, on February 15th, communities all around Canada celebrate and express their pride in various ways. These include official flag raisins (especially on Parliament Hill), community gatherings with music and food like Toronto’s City Hall event, parades, festivals, wearing the national colors of red and white, displaying flags, and using social media with the hashtag #CanadianFlag to foster national pride.
Fun facts:
- In 1982, the national flag was brought to Mount Everest by a canadian mountaineer, Laurie Skreslet.
- In 1984, the Canadian flag was launched into space on a flight with the first Canadian astronaut on the NASA space shuttle Challenger.
- The need for a distinctive and unique flag was reinforced when during the Suez Crisis, Canadian troops were sent to Egypt in 1956 and there was a misunderstanding because it looked like the flag of an invading nation.
Did you know. . .? — National Flag of Canada Day. (2025, February 7). Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-flag-canada-day/about/did-you-know.html
Heritage, C. (2023, March 1). The history of the National Flag of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/flag-canada-history.html