THE 3 FLAGS OF CANADA

Canada’s flag history traces its colonial and national evolution through three key flags. The Union Jack, Britain’s flag, was used officially from the colonial era until 1965, symbolizing Canada’s ties to the British Empire and Commonwealth. Flown at government sites, it alienated French Canadians and didn’t reflect growing diversity. The Canadian Red Ensign, used from the 1870s to 1965, featured the Union Jack and a shield with provincial emblems. Originally a maritime flag, it became a de facto national symbol but retained British connotations, fueling calls for a unique flag. The Maple Leaf Flag, adopted in 1965 after heated debate, was designed by George Stanley. Its red and white colors and central maple leaf embody unity, resilience, and Canada’s natural heritage. Free of colonial symbols, it reflects an independent, multicultural nation. These flags mark Canada’s shift from a British colony to a sovereign, inclusive state