
Nicknames | The Maple Leaf |
l'Unifolié ("the one-leafed") |
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Adopted | February 15, 1965 |
Designer | George F.G. Stanley |
Proportion | 1:2 |

Red symbolizes hope and prosperity
White represents peace and tranquility reflecting neutrality and impartiality of Canadians. It was taken from the French royal emblem
The maple leaf represents Canada's rich cultural heritage and natural resources.


The maple leaf has long been a Canadian symbol. Long before the arrival of the first European settlers, Canada's Aboriginal peoples had discovered the edible properties of maple sap. In 1860, at a public meeting held in Toronto, the maple leaf was adopted as the national emblem of Canada for use in the decorations for the Prince of Wales' visit. Red and white were designated as Canada's official colours in 1921 by His Majesty, King George V, in the proclamation of the Royal Arms of Canada. In 1982, Laurie Skreslet, a skier from Calgary, took the Canadian flag to the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest. In 1984, the Canadian flag reached new heights when it blasted into space on the flight mission uniform of Marc Garneau, the first Canadian astronaut in space.


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The maple leaf has long been a Canadian symbol. Long before the arrival of the first European settlers, Canada's Aboriginal peoples had discovered the edible properties of maple sap. In 1860, at a public meeting held in Toronto, the maple leaf was adopted as the national emblem of Canada for use in the decorations for the Prince of Wales' visit. Red and white were designated as Canada's official colours in 1921 by His Majesty, King George V, in the proclamation of the Royal Arms of Canada. In 1982, Laurie Skreslet, a skier from Calgary, took the Canadian flag to the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest. In 1984, the Canadian flag reached new heights when it blasted into space on the flight mission uniform of Marc Garneau, the first Canadian astronaut in space.


However, Canadian Heritage has released guidelines on how to correctly display the flag alone and with other flags. The guidelines deal with the order of precedence in which the Canadian flag is placed, where the flag can be used, how it is used, and what people should do to honour the flag. The suggestions, titled Flag Etiquette in Canada, were published by Canadian Heritage.


The flag, in a 1:2 proportion, consists of the escutcheon of the Royal Coat of Arms of Canada in banner form defaced with the distinct device of Queen Elizabeth II used on her Head of the Commonwealth flag: a blue roundel with the initial E surmounted by St Edward's Crown and within a wreath of roses, all gold-coloured.

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