Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Civic Brief • Canada Notes

Flag of Canada

The Flag of Canada, commonly called the Canadian flag or the Maple Leaf, is the national flag of Canada.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

The Flag of Canada, commonly called the Maple Leaf, is the national flag of Canada. It was officially adopted on February 15, 1965, and is a widely recognized symbol of Canadian identity and unity.

What it is

The flag features two red vertical bands on the sides and a white square in the centre bearing a stylized red 11-point maple leaf. The design is based on a proposal by historian George F. G. Stanley and was chosen for its simplicity and strong visual impact.

Why it matters

The Maple Leaf flag is one of Canada’s principal national symbols, representing Canadian identity, unity, and sovereignty. It is used at official events, government buildings, and international settings, and is directly relevant to Canadian citizenship and public ceremonies.

Key details

The flag was approved by Parliament in 1964 and first raised on February 15, 1965. Red and white are Canada’s national colours, and the maple leaf has been a symbol of Canadian identity since the 19th century. The flag is often called the Maple Leaf Flag.

In short

  • Adopted February 15, 1965, after parliamentary debate.
  • Features a red 11-point maple leaf on a white square with red bands.
  • Designed by historian George F. G. Stanley.
  • Symbolizes Canadian identity, unity, and sovereignty.
Canadian angle

This is one of Canada’s principal national symbols and is directly relevant to Canadian identity, citizenship, public ceremonies, and state representation.

Quick questions

What does the Canadian flag represent?
It represents Canadian identity, unity, and sovereignty. The maple leaf is a long-standing symbol of Canada, and the red-and-white design is associated with the country’s national colours.
When was the Canadian flag adopted?
The current Canadian flag was officially adopted on February 15, 1965. Parliament approved the design in 1964, followed by royal proclamation in 1965.
Who designed the Canadian flag?
The current flag design was created by George F. G. Stanley, a historian. His proposal was selected after debate over a new national flag.

Sources

  1. Government of Canada — https://www.canada.ca/en/services/culture/canadian-identity-society/anthems-symbols/national-flag.html
    Supports: States that the national flag symbolizes pride and strength in Canadian history.
  2. Government of Canada — https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/flag-canada-description.html
    Supports: Gives the flag’s official description, notes parliamentary approval in 1964, royal proclamation in 1965, and first hoisting on February 15, 1965.
  3. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/national-flag-of-canada
    Supports: Describes the flag’s design and identifies it as the National Flag of Canada / Maple Leaf flag.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Canada
    Supports: Provides adoption date, history of debate, and identifies George Stanley’s proposal as the basis of the present design.
  5. Parks Canada — https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=14372
    Supports: Explains the flag’s symbolism in relation to Canadian sovereignty, citizenship, and multicultural identity.