CANADA DAY 2019 2019 A Special Supplement to
The story behind the Canadian flag Canada has an extensive history with its national flags. While the widely recognized maple leaf flag is a universally recognized symbol of Canada in the 21st century, it took many years for Canada’s national flag to reach that status. Nearly 400 years passed before Canada officially adopted the Canadian Flag or Maple Leaf Flag (l’Unifolié). This flag consists of a red field with a white square (Canadian pale) in the center, upon which an 11-pointed red maple leaf sits. Although Canada was first explored in the 15th century, and declared a selfgoverning entity in 1867, the famed maple leaf didn’t come into existence until 1965. Through the years, various flags were raised above Canadian soil.
The first flag used was the St. George’s Cross. This was flown when explorer John Cabot landed in Newfoundland. At the time, the cross was representative of England. When Canada was settled as part of France and dubbed “New France,” two flags gained national status. One was the Royal Banner of France. This featured a blue background with three gold fleurs-de-lis. A white flag of the French Royal Navy was also flown from ships and forts and sometimes flown at land-claiming ceremonies. Through the 18th and early 19th centuries, while under British rule, Canada went through a series of flags that bore the British ensign — the Union Jack. The “Red Ensign” and the “Royal Union Flag” were flown in various locations. By 1921, a “Canadian Red
Ensign,” featuring the Union Jack and a shield of arms granted to Canada, was authorized to fly on federal buildings in Canada and abroad until Canada adopted its own national flag. In 1925 and then again 20 years later, committees were appointed to resolve the national flag issue. People didn’t want to offend Britain with the removal of the Union Jack. A flag consisting of the British Union Flag in the upper left corner with a gold maple leaf in the bottom right corner was suggested in 1945. However, legislators could not commit, and many Canadians were split on the flag debate. Many still held ties to the Union Flag. Others liked the Red Ensign. Also, Québec viewed its provincial flag, the Fleurdelisé, as its national emblem.
How well do you Know your country? What Regina-born actor known for his deadpan delivery had a brother who served as Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister from 1984 to 1986? (Answer: Leslie Nielsen)
It officially became our national anthem in 1980, but Canadians had been singing it for a century by then. Who composed the music to O Canada in 1890? (Answer: Calixa Lavallée)
What were Canadian painters Franklin Carmichael, Lawren Harris, A.Y. Jackson, Frank Johnston, Arthur Lismer, J.E.H. MacDonald and Frederick Varley commonly known as? (Answer: The Group of Seven)
Which novel by Canadian writer Yann Martel won the Man Booker Prize before being adapted to the silver screen by American film director Ang Lee? (Answer: Life of Pi)
What are the names of the two Canadian street performers who founded the Cirque du Soleil in 1984? (Answer: Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste. Croix)
Which Canadian author penned the fol lowing titles: Alias Grace, Oryx and Crake, The Year of the Flood and The Heart Goes Last? (Answer: Basketball)
Which famous Canadian musician with a solo career spanning more than 45 years and 35 studio albums to his name will turn 71 on November 12, 2016? (Answer: Neil Young)
What Canadian actor became famous for his role as James Tiberius Kirk, captain of the USS Enterprise on the iconic television program Star Trek? (Answer: William Shatner)