Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Canada's Flag

Flag Day — let's never take Canada's red maple leaf for granted

Fifty-seven years ago, at noon on Feb. 15, 1965, our red and white maple leaf flag was formally raised for the first time across Canada. Over the years, the image of the red maple leaf has become synonymous with the name of our country. Our distinctly recognizable flag, perhaps a symbol of hope for a better life for some people, has come to reflect a country of diversity that has welcomed newcomers from all corners of the world. It is often visible as a symbol of patriotism for many causes. For example, its prominence in the “Freedom Convoy” perhaps attests to how strongly the demonstrators feel about freedoms in Canada. 

While I believe our national flag is flown with a certain amount of pride everywhere in Canada, it is often less prominent in Quebec, except on the federal properties and buildings of businesses with connections that extend beyond Quebec. While June 24 in Quebec has evolved to a day of celebrating with the Quebec flag, the July 1 Canada Day flag celebrations may go unacknowledged in some parts of the province. As a native of Quebec, I find that disheartening. 

Although government properties and most commercial businesses replace flags before they become too faded and tattered, there are other properties where the deterioration of the flag often goes unnoticed. This state of disrepair may be unintentional, but it underscores the need to ensure that flag replacement is a designated responsibility. 

Perhaps one of the more significant places for Canada’s flag to be properly maintained is on school properties, particularly elementary ones, during the most influential years for children. It may be beneficial to have conversations emphasizing that respect for the flag also includes flying it in good condition and treating it in a deferential manner. The federal government’s flag etiquette rules state in part, “The National Flag of Canada as well as the flags of the provinces and territories are symbols of honour and pride for all Canadians. They should be treated with respect.” The government provides online information on flying and disposing of flags in a dignified way. 

Anyone seeing a flag, whether it is the Canada flag or one of a province or territory, that needs to be replaced should bring it to the attention of someone capable of addressing the matter. I have done that on several occasions with success as, from my experience, most locations may have simply not noticed their flag’s condition. They are often please to correct it. 

Thinking back to that February day in 1965, and not really contemplating the significance of the event at the time, I now appreciate how fortunate I was to be a part of the group that raised Canada’s new flag on the roof of the then-RCMP building in Montreal. As the roof was not a very welcoming or ideal location for an event of that importance, there were no invited guests. Being limited to an RCMP function, the sergeant-major wasted little time in assembling two three-person teams, one to lower the Canadian Red Ensign, the other to raise Canada’s new flag. 

I must confess that at the time, considering Montreal’s normally very cold February days and being dressed in the RCMP red serge uniform, I found the freezing temperature was not exactly an encouragement to stay outdoors any longer than necessary. I now look back at that date with appreciation for having been part of an historic event. I hope that in the years ahead, the celebration of our national flag will be widespread and that it will always be afforded the attentiveness needed to safeguard it with the respect it deserves.

 

Trudeau Ignored Opportunity

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s first cabinet in 2015 had 30 ministers. A few years later, he expanded that to 35. Now, with a 38-member cabinet, the government missed a good opportunity to scale back on the size of cabinet as a small gesture in acknowledging it is serious about addressing the ever-increasing deficit. At first glance, the varied selection of cabinet members appears more about checking off the right boxes, as they relate to Trudeau’s personal priorities, than they are with Canada’s economic well-being. The minister’s mandate letters will hopefully offer a better indication of what Canadians may expect.