List of Canadian flags

Last updated

The national flag of Canada (at left) being flown with the flags of the 10 Canadian provinces and 3 territories All Provinces and Territories.jpg
The national flag of Canada (at left) being flown with the flags of the 10 Canadian provinces and 3 territories

The Department of Canadian Heritage lays out protocol guidelines for the display of flags, including an order of precedence; these instructions are only conventional, however, and are generally intended to show respect for what are considered important symbols of the state or institutions. [1] The sovereign's personal standard is supreme in the order of precedence, followed by those for the monarch's representatives (depending on jurisdiction), the personal flags of other members of the Royal Family, [2] and then the national flag and provincial flags.

Contents

Many museums across Canada display historic flags in their exhibits. The Canadian Museum of History, in Hull, Quebec has many culturally important flags in their collections. Settlers, Rails & Trails Inc., in Argyle, Manitoba holds the second largest exhibit - known as the Canadian Flag Collection.

State

National

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg 1965–present National Flag of Canada
(Maple Leaf Flag, l'Unifolié)
A vertical bicolour triband of red, white, red with a red maple leaf emblem charged in the Canadian pale

Ceremonial

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1965–present Royal Union Flag The Cross of St. Andrew counterchanged with the Cross of St. Patrick and over all the Cross of St. George.

Provincial

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of Ontario.svg 1965–present Flag of Ontario A red field with the Royal Union Flag in the canton and the shield of the coat of arms of Ontario charged in the fly
Flag of Quebec.svg 1948–present Flag of Quebec
(The Fleurdelisé)
A blue field with an ordinary white cross and a white fleur-de-lis in each quadrant
Flag of Nova Scotia.svg 1858 (first use)

1929 (arms adopted) 2013 (flag adopted) –present

Flag of Nova Scotia A banner of arms of the coat of arms of Nova Scotia
Flag of New Brunswick.svg 1965–present Flag of New Brunswick A banner of the coat of arms of New Brunswick
Flag of Manitoba.svg 1965–present Flag of Manitoba A red field with the Royal Union Flag in the canton and the shield of the coat of arms of Manitoba charged in the fly
Flag of British Columbia.svg 1960–present Flag of British Columbia A banner of the coat of arms of British Columbia
Flag of Prince Edward Island.svg 1964–present Flag of Prince Edward Island A banner of the coat of arms of Prince Edward Island within a bordure compony of red and white
Flag of Saskatchewan.svg 1969–present Flag of Saskatchewan A field party per fess, green and yellow, with the shield of the coat of arms of Saskatchewan in the canton and western red lily emblem charged in the fly
Flag of Alberta.svg 1968–present Flag of Alberta A blue field with the shield of the coat of arms of Alberta charged in the centre
Flag of Newfoundland and Labrador.svg 1980–present Flag of Newfoundland and Labrador A blue and white field party per pale (at nombril point) with a white border, white ordinary cross and white saltire, two triangular divisions in the fly lined in red, a golden arrow between two triangular divisions

Territorial

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of the Northwest Territories.svg 1969–present Flag of the Northwest Territories A vertical bicolour triband of blue, white, blue with the shield of the coat of arms of the Northwest Territories charged in the Canadian pale
Flag of Yukon.svg 1968–present Flag of Yukon A vertical tricolour triband of green, white, blue with the shield of the coat of arms of Yukon above a wreath of fireweed charged in the pale, with pale ratio of 1 to 1.5 to 1
Flag of Nunavut.svg 1999–present Flag of Nunavut A field party per pale, yellow and white, with a red inukshuk charged in the centre and a blue star in the upper fly

Royal

FlagDateUseDescription
Royal Standard of Canada.svg 2023–present Royal Standard of Charles III, King of Canada A banner of the Royal Arms of Canada undifferentiated
Royal Standard of the Prince of Wales (in Canada).svg 2011–presentRoyal standard of the Prince of Wales A banner of the Royal Arms of Canada differentiated by a white three-pointed label and defaced with the Prince of Wales's feathers
Royal Standard of Princess Anne, Princess Royal (in Canada).svg 2013–presentRoyal standard of Princess Anne A banner of the Royal Arms of Canada differentiated by a white three-pointed label; the first and third labels bearing a red cross, the centre label bearing a red heart; and defaced with a royal cypher of Princess Anne
Royal Standard of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh (in Canada).svg 2014–presentRoyal standard of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh A banner of the Royal Arms of Canada differentiated by a three-pointed label; the centre label bearing a Tudor rose; and defaced with a royal cypher of Prince Edward
Royal Standard of members of the Canadian Royal Family.svg 2015–presentOther members of the royal family A banner of the Royal Arms of Canada with a border of ermine

Viceregal and administrative

Governor general

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of the Governor-General of Canada.svg 1981–1999
2002–present
Flag of the governor general of Canada A blue field with the crest of the Royal Arms of Canada charged in the centre

Lieutenant governors and commissioners

Supreme Court of Canada

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of the Supreme Court of Canada.svg 2021Flag of the Supreme Court of Canada Gules on a Canadian pale Argent a lozenge lozengy Gules and Argent charged with maple leaves alternately Or and Gules

Military and civilian law enforcement organizations

Canadian Armed Forces

FlagDateUseDescription
Canadian Forces Flag.svg 1968–presentFlag of the Canadian Armed Forces A white field with the National Flag of Canada in the canton and the Canadian Armed Forces badge charged in the fly
Flag of the Royal Military College of Canada.svg 1920–presentFlag of the Royal Military College of Canada A field tierced per pale, red, white, and red with the badge of the Royal Military College of Canada charged in the centre
Drapeau du College Militaire Royal de Saint-Jean.svg 1920–presentFlag of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean A field tierced per pale, blue, white, and blue with the badge of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean charged in the centre
Canada Commander in Chief Unit Banner.svg 2000–presentBanner of the Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation A field tierced per pale, blue, red, and azure, with the crest of the Royal Arms of Canada charged in the centre
Camp flag of the Cadet Instructors Cadre.png 2009–presentCamp flag of the Cadet Instructors Cadre The badge of the Cadet Instructors Cadre, with the traditional colours of the Navy, Army and the Air Force. The golden border represents the young people that CIC officers work for.
King's Colour of Royal Military College of Canada.jpg −1965King's Colour, as used by the Royal Military College of Canada King's Colour of the Royal Military College of Canada with the Union Flag.

Canadian Army

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of the Canadian Army (1939-1944).svg 1939–1944Old flag of the Canadian Army
Flag of the Canadian Army (1968-1998).svg 1968–1998Old flag of the Canadian Army
Flag of the Land Force Command (1998-2013).svg 1998–2013Old flag of the Canadian Army
Flag of the Canadian Army (2013-2016).svg 2013–2016Old flag of the Canadian Army
Flag of the Canadian Army (2016).svg 2016–presentFlag of the Canadian Army A scarlet red field with the National Flag of Canada in the canton and the Canadian Army badge charged in the fly
Flag of the Chief of the General Staff (Canada).svg –presentFlag of the Commander of the Canadian Army

Royal Canadian Navy

FlagDateUseDescription
Naval Ensign of Canada.svg 1968–present Canadian Naval Ensign A white field with the National Flag of Canada in the canton and charged in the fly with an anchor, eagle and naval crown in blue
Naval Auxiliary Jack of Canada.svg 1968–presentCanadian Forces Auxiliary JackA blue field with the National Flag of Canada in the canton and charged in the fly with an anchor, eagle and naval crown in white
Flag of the Canadian Navy Board.svg c.1964–presentFlag of the Canadian Navy Board A field party per bend, blue and sanguine, with a fouled anchor in gold charged in the centre
Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg RCN (1911–1965)
RCSCC (1905–1965)
Used as the ensign of the Royal Canadian Navy and some Royal Canadian Sea Cadets corps. Used throughout the entire British Empire by the Royal Navy and by several former British colonies even after they became independent and established their own navies. White Ensign, St George's Cross with the Union Flag in the canton.
Canadian Blue Ensign 1921-1957.svg RCN (1921–1957)
RCSCC (1929–1953)
The Blue Ensign, worn as a jack by the Royal Canadian Navy and used by the RCSCC Blue Ensign defaced with the Royal Arms of Canada. The maple leaves at the bottom of the shield are green.

Royal Canadian Air Force

FlagDateUseDescription
Air Force Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg 1921–1940 Royal Canadian Air Force Ensign A field of air force blue with the Union Flag in the canton and the Royal Air Force roundel charged in the fly
Air Force Ensign of Canada (1941-1968).svg 1941–1968 Royal Canadian Air Force Ensign A field of air force blue with the Union Flag in the canton and the Royal Canadian Air Force roundel charged in the fly
Royal Canadian Air Force ensign.svg 1982–present Royal Canadian Air Force Ensign A field of air force blue with the National Flag of Canada in the canton and the Royal Canadian Air Force roundel charged in the fly

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command

FlagDateUseDescription
Link to file -presentFlag of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command A white field with the National Flag of Canada in the canton and the CANSOFCOM badge charged in the fly

Canada Border Services Agency

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of the Canada Border Services Agency.svg 2012–presentFlag of the Canada Border Services Agency A Blue field with the National Flag of Canada in the canton and the Canada Border Services Agency badge charged in the fly

Canadian Coast Guard

FlagDateUseDescription
Coastguard Flag of Canada.svg 1962–presentFlag of the Canadian Coast Guard A banner of the arms of the Canadian Coast Guard: vertical diband of white and blue, a red maple leaf emblem charged in the hoist and a pair of fish in gold and facing opposite directions charged in the fly
Flag of the Governor-General of Canada-Coast Guard.svg –presentHonorary Commissioner FlagGovernor General's flag in the canton.

Police services

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of the RCMP.svg 1991–presentEnsign of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police A red field with a blue canton bordered yellow with a representation of the Badge of the RCMP.
Link to file 1998–presentFlag of the Ontario Provincial Police Blue with the heraldic badge of the OPP.
Sq drapeau.png 1983–presentFlag of the Sûreté du Québec A green field, on a Canadian Pale Yellow charged with the badge of the Sûreté du Québec.
Flag of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.png –presentFlag of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary A blue field with the badge of the RNC in the centre.

Youth cadets organizations

FlagDateUseDescription
Ensign of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets (1953-1976).svg 1953–1976 [3] Former flag of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets A white flag with a Union Flag at the canton, with the badge of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets at the fly. This is the basis of the current flag of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets.
RCSC Current Flag.svg 1976–present [3] Flag of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets A white flag with a Canadian Flag at the canton, with the badge of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets at the fly.
NLC Flag 2011.svg 2009–present [4] Flag of the Navy League of Canada A white flag with a Canadian Flag at the canton, with the current badge of the Navy League of Canada at the fly.
1985–present [5] Banner of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets A Canadian flag in the same shape as a queen's colour used in the Canadian Armed Forces, with the maple leaf modified with the badge of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. At the canton, the cypher of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as former colonel-in-chief of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. At the fly, a badge representing the Canadian Army (the crown of Saint Edward above crossed swords).
Royal Canadian Army Cadets Flag (Union Flag Pattern).png 1944–1973Flag of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets used by individual Army Cadet Corps used before 1973.
Royal Canadian Army Cadets Flag.png January 1973–presentFlag of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets used by individual Army Cadet Corps.
Camp Flag of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets.png Camp Flag of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets.On a white field, the badge of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets in the centre.
Flag of the Army Cadet League of Canada.png 1995–present [6] Flag of the Army Cadet League of Canada.A banner of the shield of the arms of the Army Cadet League of Canada. According to the heraldic grant, the shield of the arms of the Army Cadet League of Canada is "Argent two swords in saltire Argent fimbriated Gules hilted and pommelled Or surmounted by a maple leaf Gules veined Or all within an orle of twelve maple leaves stems inward Gules." [7] The web site of the Governor General of Canada explains this description as follows: "The white shield, bearing a maple leaf and crossed broad swords, alludes to a central Canadian entity with direct connection to the military. The twelve smaller maple leaves show singleness of purpose but at the Branch level. [7]
1991–present [8] [5] Banner of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Based on the design of Queen's Colour for the Royal Canadian Air Force, with the badge of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets replacing the maple leaf. At the canton, the cypher of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as former air commodore in chief of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. On the bottom fly, the first badge of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, a golden maple leaf above an eagle.
Royal Canadian Air Cadet Ensign.png 1971–present [8] Ensign of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets An Air Force blue flag, with a Canadian flag at the canton, with the historical badge of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Banner (643 St-Hubert).png Squadron Banner of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets An Air Force blue flag, with the badge of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and a scroll stating the squadron's name and number (this example, 643 St-Hubert Squadron.
Camp flag of the Junior Canadian Rangers.png Camp flag of the Junior Canadian Rangers A 1/3 red and 2/3 green flag with the badge of the Junior Canadian Rangers on the fly.

Civil

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of the Air Board of Canada (1922-1923).svg 19221923Canadian Civil Aviation Ensign, briefly used by the Air Board.A field of light blue with the Union Flag in the canton and a shield with white albatross superimposed upon three maple leaves in the middle of the fly.

Corporations

Crown corporations

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.svg 1992–presentFlag of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation A blue and red field with the logo of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation charged in the centre; logo was first introduced in 1992
Flag of the Royal Canadian Mint.svg 1978–presentFlag of the Royal Canadian Mint A red field with the logo of the Royal Canadian Mint charged in the centre; logo was first introduced in 1978

Hudson's Bay Company

Religious

FlagDateUseDescription
Anglican Church of Canada Flag.svg –presentFlag of the Anglican Church of Canada
Flag of the Grand Orange Lodge of Canada.svg –presentFlag of the Grand Orange Lodge of Canada

Ethnic groups

Indigenous nations

Francophone peoples

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of Acadia.svg 1884–present Acadian flag Tri-colored flag, blue, white then red. A yellow star representing independence and unique culture from main land France.
Franco-Ontarian flag.svg 1975–present Flag of the Franco-Ontarians A field party per pale, green and white, with a white fleur-de-lys charged in the hoist and a green trillium emblem charged in the fly
Bandera dels Fransaskois.svg 1976–presentFlag of the Fransaskois A yellow field with a green Nordic cross centred towards the upper hoist and a red fleur-de-lis charged in the lower fly
Flag of the Franco-Manitobains.svg 1980–presentFlag of the Franco-Manitobans A white field with yellow over sanguine bars with a green plant emblem in four pieces charged in the hoist
Flag of the Franco-Colombiens.svg 1981–presentFlag of the Franco-Columbians A white field party per pale by a bar gemelles and dancetty, a fleur-de-lys and Pacific Dogwood emblem charged in the fly; Dogwood is the floral emblem of British Columbia, the blue stripes evoke the Pacific Ocean and the rising mountains beside, the yellow centre of the Dogwood flower represents the sun
Flag of the Franco Albertains.svg 1982–present Flag of the Franco-Albertans A field party per bend sinister, blue and white, by a bend cotised white and blue with a white fleur-de-lys in the upper hoist and a red wild rose in the lower fly
Flag of the Franco-Yukonnais.svg 1985–presentFlag of the Franco-Yukonnais A blue field and three diagonal stripes set from lower hoist to upper fly. The colours of the stripes are white and golden yellow. The effect created by the arrangement of the stripes is meant to represent Yukon's many mountains. Blue is for the French people and the sky. White is for winter and snow. Yellow represents the gold rush and the Franco-Yukonnais contributions to history of the territory.
Franco-Terreneuviens.svg 1986–presentFlag of the Fédération des Francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador (Franco-Terreneuviens)Three unequal panels of blue, white, and red, with two yellow sails set on the line between the white and red panels. The sail on top is charged with a spruce twig, while the bottom sail is charged with a pitcher flower.
Flag of the FrancoTenois.svg 1992–presentFlag of the Franco-Ténois A polar bear on a snowy hill, looking forward towards a snowflake/Fleur-de-lis combined, representing the French community of the Northwest Territories of Canada.
Flag of the Franco-Nunavois.svg 2002–presentFlag of the Franco-Nunavois Blue that represents the Arctic sky and white recalls the snow, abundantly present on the territory. The principal shape represent an igloo, and under this one, the inukshuk which symbolise the human presence. A single dandelion flower grows from beneath it.

Other ethnic groups

FlagDateUseDescription
CANADIENS GAELIQUES.jpg 2008–presentFlag of Gaelic CanadiansAdopted by the Comhairle na Gàidhlig (The Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia), the salmon represents the gift of knowledge in the Gaelic storytelling traditions of Nova Scotia, Scotland and Ireland and the Isle of Man. The “G” represents the Gaelic language and the ripples are the manifestations of the language through its rich culture of song, story, music, dance and custom and belief system. [9]
Afro-Nova Scotian Flag.svg 2021–presentFlag of Black Nova Scotians The red represents blood and sacrifice. The gold conveys cultural richness. The green symbolizes fertility and growth. The black stands for the people.

The wave in the bottom centre has a dual meaning, representing the ocean and movements as well as honouring the journey of African Nova Scotian ancestors through the middle passage during the slave trade.

On the left is half of a stylized heart (a version of the Sankofa symbol) with a yin and yang-like symbol embedded to represent heartbreak balanced with awareness.

The image is encompassed with an incomplete circle representing those things absent but yet to come. [10]

Municipal

Historical

National

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of England.svg 1497–1707Flag on John Cabot's ship, and used during the English colonization of the Americas before the Act of Union.White Ensign, St George's Cross.
Flag of Scotland (1542-2003).svg 1621–1707Flag used during the Scottish colonization of the Americas before the Act of Union.White saltire on blue ensign, St. Andrew's Cross.
Naval Flag of the Kingdom of France (Civil Ensign).svg 1689Merchant Flag of France
Flag of Great Britain.svg 1707–1801 Flag of Great Britain
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1801–1964 Union Flag (1801–1964); Canadian Royal Union Flag (1964–present)

Royal

FlagDateUseDescription
Royal Standard of the King of France.svg 1643Royal standard of France
Pavillon royal de la France.svg 1534–1763 Royal Banner of France or "Bourbon Flag" was the most commonly used flag in New France [11] [12] [13] [14] The banner flag has three gold fleur-de-lis on a dark blue field arranged two and one
Royal standard of Canada (1962-2022).svg 1962–2022 Royal standard of Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada A banner of the Royal Arms of Canada defaced with a royal cypher of Queen Elizabeth II
Royal Standard of Prince William in Canada (2011-2022).svg 2011–2022Royal standard of Prince William

Coronation standards

FlagDateUseDescription
1937 and 1953 Coronation Standard of Canada.svg 1937 and 1953Coronations of George VI and Elizabeth and Elizabeth II Banner of arms of Royal Coat of Arms of Canada
1911 Canada Coronation Standard.svg 1911 Coronation of George V and Mary Banner of arms of Royal Coat of Arms of Canada

Viceregal

Civil ensigns

FlagDateUseDescription
Canadian Red Ensign (1868-1921).svg 1892–1922 Canadian Red Ensign as authorized for use as a civil ensign through Admiralty warrant. Informal use of the Canadian Red Ensign as a symbol of Canada began as early as 1868.
Canadian Red Ensign (1905-1922).svg 1907–19221907 informal version of the Canadian Red Ensign commonly used in western Canada. Note the inclusion of all the provincial emblems.
Canadian Red Ensign (1921-1957).svg 1922–19571922 version of the Canadian Red Ensign used from 1922 to 1957, which was also used as a de facto national flag.
Canadian Red Ensign (1957-1965).svg 1957–19651957 version of the Canadian Red Ensign that had evolved as the de facto national flag until 1965.

Newfoundland

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of the Dominion of Newfoundland.svg 1904–1949 Dominion of Newfoundland
Dominion of Newfoundland Blue Ensign, 1870-1904.svg 1870–1904 Newfoundland Colony
Flag of Newfoundland 1862-1870.svg 1862–1870 Newfoundland Colony

Rebellions

FlagDateUseDescription
Bandera FLQ.svg 1968–1971 Front de libération du Québec Flag of the FLQ as seen at demonstrations in Montreal and the U.S. between 1968 and 1971 [15]
Metis Red.svg 1812–1821 Pemmican War Metis Flag
Drapeau des Patriotes de Saint-Eustache et de Saint-Benoit.svg 1837 Lower Canada Rebellion This flag was created by Marie-Louise Félix, Émilie Berthelot and Marie-Louise-Zéphirine Labrie in 1837, also involved in the Association of Patriotic Ladies of the Deux-Montagnes County. We see a maple branch surmounted by a muskellunge, surrounded by a crown of cone and pine branches. The C would mean "Canada" (in the sense that this term had for the Patriots at the time) and JB would mean "Jean-Baptiste", the patron saint of "Canadians" since the creation of the Société Saint-Jean- Baptiste in 1834. The original is in Château Ramezay, in Montreal.
Provisional Government of Saskatchewan flag.svg 1869-1870 North-West Rebellion Often mistaken as the flag used in the 1885 resistance, the flag used by the Provisional Government of Rupert's Land and the North-West was described in various ways. Most descriptions mention a fleur-de-lys, shamrock and a white background. [16] [17]
Flagoftheprovisionalgovernmentofsask.png 1885 Provisional Government of Saskatchewan The day of the provisional government's proclamation,  Father Vital Fourmond, a witness, wrote "As a flag [Riel] chose the white flag of ancient France [with a royal blue shield bearing three golden fleurs de lys], saying that he was called to renew its ancient glories. On it he placed a large image of Mary's immaculate heart." [18]

Other

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of Madawaska.svg 1827Flag of the short lived Republic of Madawaska which was situated between Canada and the US.
Caribou Canadian Flag.png 1868The Canadian Red Ensign used at Dominion Day celebrations in Barkerville, BC in support of Canadian Confederation, as Canada did not have an official flag. [19]
British Empire flag (1930).svg Post 1910–c.1945 British Empire flag An unofficial flag of the British Empire featuring symbols of its constituent dominions and India. The Canadian coat of arms are present in the bottom left. It was flown by civilians as a display of patriotism on special occasions such as Empire Day. A surviving specimen from the British Empire Exhibition in 1924 is kept in the Canadian Flag Collection. [20]

Proposed

The following is a list of flags proposed for the Canadian state. [21]

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of the Patriote movement (Lower Canada).svg 1832–1838 Patriote flag The proposed flag for the Republic of Lower Canada (1838). It is still used today by some souverainists, in mostly 4 variants: the original, and three versions with the yellow star in the top left corner. Of which, two of them have Henri Julien's Patriot painting of 1904, one in colour and the other stylised in black and white.
Flag of the Canadian Republic.svg 1837–1838Flag of the Republic of Canada A blue-white-red vertical tricolor with two white stars representing the colonies of Upper and Lower Canada and a crescent moon representing the "hunter's clubs" that organized and led the insurrection affixed at the hoist.
1902 British Empire flag proposal (in Canada).svg 1902Design reported in the Daily Express to have been proposed as part of a series of Empire flags that would replace the Union Jack in representing individual territories of the British Empire [22] The Cross of Saint George and the crown in the canton would have been present on all Empire flags to represent the English. In the top right would be the emblem of the territory flying the flag, and in this case, the coat of arms of Canada. A large sun in the centre symbolizes "the empire on which the sun never sets."
Proposed Flag of Canada (1930).svg 1930 La Presse ProposalDesign inspired by the Australian flag.
Proposed Flag of Canada (1939).svg 1939Ephrem Côté's Proposal
1946 Canadian flag proposal.svg 1946Proposed flag for CanadaA red British ensign defaced with a large golden maple leaf outlined in white in the fly.
Adelard Godbout Canadian Flag Proposal (1947).svg 1947Adélard Godbout's Proposal
Jean-Francois Pouliot's Proposal (1957).svg 1957Jean-Francois Pouliot's ProposalGreen, detailed maple leaf on a red background.
Polar Star Canadian Flag Proposal (1962).svg 1962John-Guy Labarre's ProposalA green Compass rose on a white background.
Native Sons of Canada Flag.svg 1964Proposed flag for Canada by the Native Sons of CanadaParty per bend Gules and Argent a maple leaf Gules
Canada flag Group C Finalist.svg 1964Proposal made during the Great Flag Debate featuring one maple leaf. "Group C" finalist considered by Parliamentary committee. [23]
Four Leaves Flag Proposal.svg 1964Proposal made during the Great Flag Debate featuring four maple leavesFour large maple leaves occupy the center of the flag. Behind them is a white diamond on a blue background. The leaves are arranged similarly to the modern heraldic mark of the Prime Minister, and their stems form the Cross of Saint George in the middle.
Stars & Leaf Proposal (1964).svg 1964Proposal made during the Great Flag Debate featuring one maple leafThe background is like the British flag without the diagonal stripes, there is a green maple leaf in the center and there are three stars on either side in the red stripe and two stars on either side in the vertical red stripe.
Ten Leaves Flag Proposal.svg 1964Proposal made during the Great Flag Debate featuring ten maple leavesTen maple leaves are spread across the flag, and they likely represent the provinces. On the left are red leaves on a red background. The right side features the same colours inverted.
Canada Pearson Pennant 1964.svg 1964Proposed flag for Canada, known as the Pearson PennantA blue field with a white square containing a three-leaf maple. The blue sides were meant to represent John A. Macdonald's description of the Canadian Pacific Railway and Canada's geography, "From sea to sea".
Canadian Duality Flag.svg 1994Proposed flag for Canada, known as the Canadian Unity Flag Blue vertical stripes replacing part of the red bands, in approximate proportion to population of French heritage.
Unilise.svg 1996The Unilisé, a flag used by Canadian federalists in QuebecA banner combining the flags of Canada and Quebec. Made in 1996 after the Quebec independence referendum by federalists who supported remaining with Canada to represent national unity.

Regional

Official

FlagDateUseDescription
Cape Breton Island Flag (Eagle).svg 1994–presentFlag of Cape Breton Island A white field with four narrow horizontal stripes at the bottom, blue over green over yellow over gray with a narrow black fimbriation. Toward the fly, the green bar rises to silhouette a hill or island. Toward the hoist is a green, stylized eagle in flight.

Despite not being widely used, the Eagle flag was officially recognized and adopted by the Nova Scotian government in 1994. [24]

Flag of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.svg 1938–presentFlag of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean A field party per fess, green and yellow, with a red-bordered grey ordinary cross; green represents the region's forests, yellow its agriculture, grey its industry and commerce, and red the vitality of the population

Unofficial

FlagDateUseDescription
Cape Breton Island Flag (Popular).svg Disputed–presentFlag of Cape Breton Island A field tierced per forest green and white, with a green saltire and yellow circle reading "Cape Breton Island" on the top, and "Canada" on the bottom, with a green stylized map of Cape Breton Island in the middle. The green is taken from the island's tartan.

Though being the most commonly used flag it is not the official flag and is disputed by supporters of the officially recognized 1993 flag designed by Kelly Gooding [24]

Flag of Labrador.svg 1974–present Flag of Labrador A field party per fess, white and azure, with a green horizontal band across the centre and a spruce twig in the upper hoist
Flag of Newfoundland.svg 1880s–present Newfoundland Tricolour A field tierced per pale green, white, and pink
Flag of Outer Baldonia.svg 1949–presentFlag of Outer Bald Tusket Island Flag used by one of the first micronations, named Principality of Outer Baldonia, it is sometimes used on fishing boats and on souvenirs.
Flag of Vancouver Island.svg 1988–present Flag of Vancouver Island A Blue Ensign defaced with the great seal of the Colony of Vancouver Island. Used informally today. [25] This unofficial flag was designed in the 1980s to retroactively represent the colony (1849–1866). In 1865 the Crown gave colonies permission to place their badges on the fly of the Blue Ensign; thus vexillologists could argue that this flag is official. [26]
Flag of Western Canada.svg 1988–presentFlag of Western Canada Originally used by the Western Independence Party, it was designed in 1988 ahead of the party's first election.

House flags of Canadian freight companies

FlagDateUseDescription
House flag of Canada Steamship Lines Ltd.svg 1965–present Canada Steamship Lines
House flag of Canada Steamship Lines Ltd (1951).svg 1958-1965
House Flag of Quebec Steamship Company.svg 1867-1958Quebec Steamship Company and Canada Steamship Lines
Flag of Cooperative de Transport Maritime et Aerien.png 1944–present Coopérative de Transport Maritime et Aérien The project differs in different periods of the company's activity.
Saint Patrick's Saltire.svg 1811–2019 Bowring Brothers
House flag of the Canadian Australasian Line.svg 1893–1953Canadian Australasian Line
House flag of Canadian National Steamships.svg 1919–1986 Canadian National Steamship Company
Canadian Pacific house flag.svg 1887–2005 CP Ships
House Flag of Job Brothers & Co., Limited.svg 19th–1967 Job Brothers & Co., Limited
House Flag of Canadian Northern Railway (Royal Line).svg 1910–1916 Royal Line

Yacht clubs of Canada

BurgeeClub
Burgee of armdaleyc.png Armdale Yacht Club
Bhycburgee.jpg Barrachois Harbour Yacht Club
Burgee of bay of quinte yc.svg Bay of Quinte Yacht Club
Burgee of Bras d'Or YC.svg Bras d'Or Yacht Club
Burgee of Bronte Harbour YC.svg Bronte Harbour Yacht Club
Burgee of Buffalo Canoe Club.svg Buffalo Canoe Club
Burgee of DobsonYC.png Dobson Yacht Club
Burgee of Etobicoke YC.svg Etobicoke Yacht Club
Burgee of Northern YC.svg Northern Yacht Club
Burgee of Oakville Yacht Squadron.svg Oakville Yacht Squadron
Burgee of Royal Hamilton YC.svg Royal Hamilton Yacht Club
Burgee of Royal Lake of the Woods YC.svg Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club
Burgee of Royal St Lawrence YC.svg Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club
Burgee of Royal Vancouver YC.svg Royal Vancouver Yacht Club
Burgee of Royal Victoria YC.svg Royal Victoria Yacht Club
Royal Canadian Yacht Club Burgee.png Royal Canadian Yacht Club
RoyalNovaScotiaYachtSquadron1.png Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron
Windsor Yacht Club - Burgee.png Windsor Yacht Club
Burgee of Queen's University at Kingston.SVG Queen's University at Kingston (College team)
Burgee of University of British Columbia.SVG University of British Columbia (College team)

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Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Union Jack</span> Flag of the United Kingdom

The Union Jack or Union Flag is the de facto national flag of the United Kingdom. The Union Jack was also used as the official flag of several British colonies and dominions before they adopted their own national flags. The flag continues to have official status in Canada, by parliamentary resolution, where it is known as the Royal Union Flag. However, it is commonly referred to in Canada as the Union Jack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag of France</span>

The national flag of France is a tricolour featuring three vertical bands coloured blue, white, and red. The design was adopted after the French Revolution, whose revolutionaries were influenced by the horizontally striped red-white-blue flag of the Netherlands. While not the first tricolour, it became one of the most influential flags in history. The tricolour scheme was later adopted by many other nations in Europe and elsewhere, and, according to the Encyclopædia Britannica has historically stood "in symbolic opposition to the autocratic and clericalist royal standards of the past".

<i>Fleur-de-lis</i> Stylized lily, heraldic symbol

The fleur-de-lis, also spelled fleur-de-lys, is a common heraldic charge in the (stylized) shape of a lily. Most notably, the fleur-de-lis (⚜️) is depicted on the traditional coat of arms of France that was used from the High Middle Ages until the French Revolution in 1792, and then again in brief periods in the 19th century. This design still represents France and the House of Bourbon in the form of marshalling in the arms of Spain, Quebec, and Canada — for example.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag of Canada</span>

The National Flag of Canada, often referred to simply as the Canadian flag, consists of a red field with a white square at its centre in the ratio of 1∶2∶1, in which is featured one stylized, red, 11-pointed maple leaf charged in the centre. It is the first flag to have been adopted by both houses of Parliament and officially proclaimed by the Canadian monarch as the country's official national flag. The flag has become the predominant and most recognizable national symbol of Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coat of arms of Canada</span>

The coat of arms of Canada, also known as the Royal Coat of Arms of Canada or, formally, as the Arms of His Majesty The King in Right of Canada, is the arms of dominion of the Canadian monarch and, thus, also the official coat of arms of Canada. In use since 1921, it is closely modelled after the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom, with French and distinctive Canadian elements replacing or added to those derived from the British version.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag of Quebec</span>

The flag of Quebec, called the Fleurdelisé in French, represents the Canadian province of Quebec. It consists of a white cross on a blue background, with four white fleurs-de-lis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag of Prince Edward Island</span>

The flag of Prince Edward Island consists of a golden lion passant on a red field in the upper portion and a white field charged with three oak saplings and a large oak tree on a green island in the bottom portion. This is bordered on three edges other than the hoist by a fimbriation of alternating red and white rectangles. Adopted in 1964 in the run-up to the Canadian Centennial, it has been the flag of the province since March 24 of that year. It is a banner of arms modelled after the province's coat of arms. When flown with the flags of other Canadian provinces and the national flag, it is eighth in the order of precedence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag of Nova Scotia</span> Canadian provincial flag

The flag of Nova Scotia consists of a blue saltire on a white field defaced with the royal arms of Scotland. Adopted in 1929 after a royal warrant was issued, it has been the flag of the province since January 19 of that year. It is a banner of arms modelled after the province's coat of arms. Utilized as a pennant since 1858, it was officially recognized under primary legislation as Nova Scotia's flag in 2013. When flown with the flags of other Canadian provinces and the national flag, it is fourth in the order of precedence.

The royal standards of Canada are a set of personal flags used by members of the Canadian royal family to denote the presence of the bearer within any vehicle, building, or area within Canada or when representing Canada abroad. All are based on a banner of the coat of arms of Canada, which are the arms of the Canadian monarch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Illinois Country</span> Historical French colony in what became the Midwestern United States

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Franco-Albertan flag</span> Flag of the francophone residents of Alberta, Canada

The Franco-Albertan flag is a symbol used to represent Franco-Albertans. The flag features several colours and elements relating to the province of Alberta as well as the Francophonie. The colour white and a white fleur-de-lys is used to represent French culture, whereas the red-coloured wild rose and the colour blue is used to represent the province of Alberta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coat of arms of Montreal</span>

The first coat of arms of Montreal was designed by Jacques Viger, the first mayor of Montreal, and adopted in 1833 by the city councillors. Modifications were made some one hundred five years later and adopted on 21 March 1938, and again on 13 September 2017, resulting in the version currently in use. The coat of arms was the only city emblem representing Montreal until 1981, when a stylized logo was developed for common daily use, reserving the coat of arms for ceremonial occasions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag of Louisville, Kentucky</span>

The city of Louisville, Kentucky used two flags: the original design paid homage to Louis XVI of France and the thirteen states present when the city was founded, and the current design was adopted in 2003 when the city merged with Jefferson County, Kentucky.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coat of arms of Scotland</span>

The coat of arms of Scotland, colloquially called the Lion Rampant, is the coat of arms historically used as arms of dominion by the monarchs of the Kingdom of Scotland, and later used within the coat of arms of Great Britain and the present coat of arms of the United Kingdom. The arms consist of a red lion surrounded by a red double border decorated with fleurs-de-lis, all on a gold background. The blazon, or heraldic description, is: Or a lion rampant Gules armed and langued Azure within a double tressure flory-counter-flory of the second.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">French ensigns</span> Flag that identifies a ship from France

A French ensign is the flag flown at sea to identify a vessel as French. Several such ensigns have existed over the years as well as terrestrial flags based on the ensign motif.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National symbols of Canada</span>

Over the course of centuries, a multitude of national symbols and material items have arisen as uniquely Canadian or possessing uniquely Canadian characteristics. These symbols and items represent the culture of Canada—protectionism of that culture, identity, values, nationalism, and the heritage of its inhabitants.

The people and province of Quebec have created and established several symbols throughout Quebec's history to represent the collective identity of its residents. Many of Quebec's symbols are related to its history, to catholicism, to Quebec's winters and/or the fauna and flora of Quebec. The motif most commonly seen in Quebec's various symbols is the fleur de lys, which is associated with the French language and New France.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag of New Orleans</span>

The flag of New Orleans contains a large white field that contains three gold fleurs-de-lis and is bordered on the top by a red stripe and from below by a blue stripe. The presence of the fleur-de-lis, a stylized depiction of a flower and a traditional French symbol demonstrates the city's French heritage and strong ties to France, while the presence of the design being a Spanish fess demonstrates the city's Spanish heritage and strong ties to Spain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag of Carillon</span> Battle Standard of General de Montcalm

The flag of Carillon was flown by the troops of General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm during the Battle of Carillon, which was fought by the French and Canadian forces against those of the British in July 1758 at Fort Carillon.

References

  1. Department of Canadian Heritage. "Ceremonial and Canadian Symbols Promotion > Flag Etiquette in Canada". Queen's Printer for Canada. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
  2. Department of Canadian Heritage. "Ceremonial and Canadian Symbols Promotion > Personal Flags and Standards". Queen's Printer for Canada. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
  3. 1 2 "Flags of National Defence".
  4. "The Navy League of Canada [Civil Institution]". 12 November 2020.
  5. 1 2 "Heritage Structure | Annex A – Cadet Flags". 12 October 2018.
  6. "The Army Cadet League of Canada [Civil Institution]". 12 November 2020.
  7. 1 2 "The Army Cadet League of Canada [Civil Institution]". 12 November 2020.
  8. 1 2 Department of National Defence (2001-01-05). A-AD-200-000/AG-000 The Honours, Flags and Heritage Structure of the Canadian Forces Chap 4 Annex A. Directorate of History and Heritage.
  9. "Gaelic Flags (Canada)".
  10. Currie, Brooklyn (February 15, 2021). "New official African Nova Scotian flag looking to connect past, present and future". CBC News.
  11. New York State Historical Association (1915). Proceedings of the New York State Historical Association with the Quarterly Journal: 2nd-21st Annual Meeting with a List of New Members. The Association. It is most probable that the Bourbon Flag was used during the greater part of the occupancy of the French in the region extending southwest from the St. Lawrence to the Mississippi, known as New France... The French flag was probably blue at that time with three golden fleur - de - lis ....
  12. "Fleur-de-lys | The Canadian Encyclopedia". www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca. At the time of New France (1534 to the 1760s), two flags could be viewed as having national status. The first was the banner of France — a blue square flag bearing three gold fleurs-de-lys. It was flown above fortifications in the early years of the colony. For instance, it was flown above the lodgings of Pierre Du Gua de Monts at Île Sainte-Croix in 1604. There is some evidence that the banner also flew above Samuel de Champlain's habitation in 1608. ..... the completely white flag of the French Royal Navy was flown from ships, forts and sometimes at land-claiming ceremonies.
  13. "INQUINTE.CA | CANADA 150 Years of History ~ The story behind the flag". inquinte.ca. 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.
  14. W. Stewart Wallace (1948). The Encyclopedia of Canada, Vol. II, Toronto, University Associates of Canada. pp. 350–351. During the French régime in Canada, there does not appear to have been any French national flag in the modern sense of the term. The "Banner of France", which was composed of fleur-de-lys on a blue field, came nearest to being a national flag, since it was carried before the king when he marched to battle, and thus in some sense symbolized the kingdom of France. During the later period of French rule, it would seem that the emblem...was a flag showing the fleur-de-lys on a white ground.... as seen in Florida. There were, however, 68 flags authorized for various services by Louis XIV in 1661; and a number of these were doubtless used in New France
  15. Flags of the World (retrieved on 31 July 2007)
  16. Begg, Alexander. "The Red River Troubles". The Globe (Letter to the Editor).
  17. Osler, Edmund Boyd (1961). The Man Who Had to Hang Louis Riel. Longmans Green. p. 69.
  18. Payment, Diane P (February 2009). "A National Feast Day, a Flag, and Anthem". The Free People - Li Gens Libres: A History of the Métis Community of Batoche, Saskatchewan (2 ed.). Calgary, AB, Canada: University of Calgary Press. ISBN   978-1-55238-239-4.
  19. "Dominion Day and the "New" Canadian Flag". Barkerville Historic Town & Park. 1 July 2019. Archived from the original on 2 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
  20. Stevenson, Lorraine (23 May 2018). "Argyle museum waves the flag – all 1,300 of them". The Manitoba Co-operator. Archived from the original on 6 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  21. "Canada, flag proposals".
  22. "A British Empire Flag" . The New York Times. The London Express. 9 February 1902. p. 3. Retrieved 20 August 2023 via The New York Times Archives.
  23. "Are the Conservatives playing politics with the Canadian flag? - National | Globalnews.ca".
  24. 1 2 "Woman wants Cape Breton flag designed by her daughter recognized | Saltwire". www.capebretonpost.com. Retrieved 2020-09-30.
  25. FOTW Flags of the World: Vancouver Island (British Colony, Canada)
  26. Flags of Canada: British Columbia