Photo by Curtis Galbraith.

By Curtis Galbraith, Jayk Sterkenburg

Canada

Canada observes 60th anniversary of the country’s flag

Feb 15, 2025 | 6:00 AM

The Canadian flag is making a milestone this year.

This Flag Day on Saturday will mark 60 years since the maple leaf flag first flew on Parliament Hill.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the maple leaf has long been an emblem of Canadian identity and unity.

“The flag symbolizes Canada’s breathtaking beauty – the white of winter snow and the red of autumn maple leaves,” he said in a statement Saturday.

“It exemplifies our dreams and sacrifices; our hard work and our unyielding ambition to grow.”

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: Dec. 12-14

Dec 12, 2025

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: December 5-7

Dec 05, 2025

WHAT'S ON

Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in December

Nov 30, 2025

According to the federal government, the Union Jack was Canada’s first flag.

The Canadian Red Ensign was then used, but there were two different designs.

One with green leaves on the coat of arms was used from 1921 to 1957, followed by one with red leaves from 1957 until 1965.

Two other designs were also considered, one resembling the current one, but with the French royal flag featured in one upper corner and the Union Jack in the other.

There was also one with three maple leaves, similar to the leaves on the coat of arms on a white field with blue stripes on either side.

This design became known as the Pearson Pennant, as it was the one preferred by then Prime Minister Lester Pearson.

The government says that the flag design that we use today was created by Dr. George Stanley and was based on the flag of the Royal Military College.

Stanley was the Dean of Arts at the school at the time and had served in the Canadian Army before that.

Pascale St-Onge, minister of Canadian heritage, said that over many decades, the flag has become more than just an emblem.

She said that it unites Canadians around the principles of democracy, inclusion and justice that define them.

“Reflecting our rich culture, our flag is a powerful symbol of our sovereignty, our resilience and our determination,” she said in a statement Saturday.

“Our culture is a pillar of our sovereignty and a source of national pride.”

Trudeau said that the flag is an “invocation of pride” for Canadians who have hailed from every corner of the globe to forge a nation with a unique identity worth embracing and celebrating.

He said that it is an inspiration to those who come to our shores seeking a brighter tomorrow.

He said that Canadians are “unflinchingly resilient”, and that our love for our country is unwavering.

“We are a proud, sovereign, and independent country – and we always will be,” he said.