Flag of Canada facts for kids
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The Maple Leaf flag became Canada's flag on 15 February 1965.
Before this, Canada used the British Red Ensign with Canada's coat of arms on it. Flag experts say that the Red Ensign was defaced by the coat of arms.
Flag and heraldry experts also call the design of the flag a Canadian Pale. This is because the white stripe in the middle (called a pale in heraldry) was not the usual narrow stripe but was half the width of the flag. This was the first time a design like this was used.
On some days the Canadian government flies the Royal Union Flag next to the Maple Leaf Flag. The Royal Union Flag is the British Union Jack, and is a symbol that Canada is a member of the Commonwealth, and that Canada and Britain share a history and a monarch.
The Queen of Great Britain, had some say in what the flag was to be. She thought that the maple leaf greatly represents the country of Canada.
Images for kids
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Depiction of Jacques Cartier meeting with Iroquoians at Stadacona. Another member of Cartier's party is holding the royal banner of France.
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A Canadian postcard marking the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, showing an artist depiction of the Union Flag (lower) and a version of the Canadian Red Ensign with a crowned composite shield of Canada in the fly
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The royal proclamation of the national flag of Canada
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The Canadian flag flying at Peace Tower. An official ceremony inaugurating the flag was held on Parliament Hill in 1965.
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The Canadian Red Ensign, Maple Leaf and Royal Union Flag flying at a war memorial in Cartwright, Manitoba.
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The Hartland Covered Bridge, with the Canadian flag on its tallest flagpole.
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A sample of items from the Parliamentary Flag Program
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See also
In Spanish: Bandera de Canadá para niños
