Random Canadian Facts: For Nay-Nay

Time for another Random Canadian Fact: For Nay-Nay.

Nay-Nay, did you know that the current Canadian flag has only been flying for 41 years (Canada is 139 yrs old)?

From 1867 to 1945, Canada flew the Union Jack because it was still a British Dominion. There had been talk of a new flag after World War One, but no Prime Minister was able to successfully pass the bill in parliament.

It was only after 1945 that a different flag was used, although it was still not today’s familiar maple leaf. Instead, the Union Jack was scaled down and put on the top left corner, the background was made red, and the Canada Coat of Arms was placed on the right.

Finally in 1965, something was done about getting a new, non-British flag. Enter the red maple leaf. Ever since it has been the symbol of Canada.

I seem to recall seeing other designs on those Canada Post heritage vignettes. None of them looked to good, so I’m glad our government went with the one it did.

(info gathered from canadianaconnection.com)