The Maple Leaf flag is adopted
Lester B. Pearson and the new flag design, December 1964. Duncan Cameron, Library and Archives Canada, a136153
December 15, 1964
After viewing approximately 2,000 flag designs and holding 41 meetings, a special Parliamentary committee recommended a new red and white Canadian flag, largely based on the flag of Kingston’s Royal Military College. The House of Commons debated the committee’s choice and, on December 15, 1964, the flag was accepted. Queen Elizabeth II signed a royal proclamation on January 28, 1965, and Canada’s new national flag, a single maple leaf flanked by two red bars, was unfurled for the first time on February 15, 1965.
Each day for 150 days leading up to the opening of the Canadian History Hall, we’re presenting one moment among the many that have shaped our country. Discover more of Canada’s significant historical events in the new Canadian History Hall, opening July 1, 2017.