Flag of Canada

The flag of Canada is the national flag of Canada which consists of a red field with a white square at its centre in the ratio of 1:2:1, in the middle of which is featured a stylized, red, 11-pointed maple leaf charged in the centre.

The flag is the symbol of the nation's unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada. ~ Maurice Bourget

Quotes

The National Flag of Canada is so embedded in our national life and so emblematic of our national purpose that we simply cannot imagine our country without it. ~ David Johnston

• The [Canadian] flag is the symbol of the nation's unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada...
  • Maurice Bourget, as quoted in "The National Flag of Canada; A symbol of Canadian Identity" (2007), Department of Canadian Heritage

• The red and white Maple Leaf is not a flag that normally stirs intense passions among Canadians.

  Schoolchildren do not pledge allegiance to it, and there is nothing old or particularly glorious about the Maple Leaf, designed by committee and adopted in 1965 as the result of yet another of Canada's many political compromises.

  • Anthony DePalma, "Quebec Journal; To Some Canadians, the Maple Leaf Is a Red Flag" (26 November 1997), The New York Times

• I am pleased to join with all Canadians in the celebration of this unique and cherished symbol of our country and identity.
  • Elizabeth II, "Message from Her Majesty The Queen on the Occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the National Flag of Canada" (2015), Office of the Governor General of Canada

• The National Flag of Canada is so embedded in our national life and so emblematic of our national purpose that we simply cannot imagine our country without it. It stands for the people we are, the values we cherish and the land we call home... I encourage all Canadians to celebrate this symbol of our identity.”
  • David Johnston, "50th Anniversary of the National Flag of Canada" (February 2015)

• I thought at the time that when we sign this constitution with full honor and pride I would be pleased to organize a ceremony so that the flag would fly again.
  • Jean-Paul L'Allier, as quoted in "Quebec Journal; To Some Canadians, the Maple Leaf Is a Red Flag" (26 November 1997), by Anthony F. DePalma, The New York Times

• Canadians are proud of our country despite its tragic history and present imperfections. We are proud of our flag and what it represents.
  • Erin O'Toole, "Time to raise the flag" (1 November 2021), Toronto Sun, Canada

• A big Canadian flag flies at our church upside-down, the international symbol of distress. We fly it day and night, to educate and warn people about the fagi-nazi regime just to the north of us. Canadians are afraid of their tyrannical fag-run government. You can determine for yourself about Canada, and keep as far away from them as you can.
  • Fred Phelps, "God Hates Canada" (31 July 2008), WBC Video News. Westboro Baptist Church

• The Canadian grows hoping.

  He was born of a proud race,

  Blessed was his birthplace.

  Heaven has noted his career

  In this new world.

  Always guided by its light,

  He will keep the honour of his flag.

  • Adolphe-Basile Routhier, "O Canada" (1908)

  • Original French: Sous l'œil de Dieu, près du fleuve géant,

    Le Canadien grandit en espérant.

    Il est né d'une race fière,

    Béni fut son berceau.

    Le ciel a marqué sa carrière

    Dans ce monde nouveau.

    Toujours guidé par sa lumière,

    Il gardera l'honneur de son drapeau.

• Why would we fly their flag and pretend everything is rosy?
  • Danny Williams, as quoted in "Canadian flags ordered down: Williams" (November 2004), CBC News

External links

• Encyclopedic article on Flag of Canada on Wikipedia
• Media related to National flag of Canada on Wikimedia Commons