Prototype of the “Pearson Pennant”

February 17, 2015

Known as the “Pearson Pennant,” this design for a Canadian flag was proposed by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson in 1964. The design was unpopular with Canadians, and an all-party Parliamentary committee selected the familiar single maple leaf design instead. The Canadian flag flew over Parliament Hill for the first time on February 15, 1965.

Nylon flag with a white background featuring three red maple leaves and dark blue bars on the right and left edges.

Canadian Museum of History, 2005.87.1, photo Harry Foster, IMG2009-0106-0001-Dp1