🐦 Chapter 8: Canadian Symbols
8.1.3 Flags in Canada
2 paragraphs · 7 questions
The maple leaf flag was raised for the first time in 1965. Its red-white-red pattern was taken from the flag of the Royal Military College in Kingston, which was founded in 1876. The two colours have a long history. Red and white were used by France and by England as far back as the Middle Ages. They were made Canada's national colours in 1921. So the flag that looks modern is built from very old material.
Key Facts
- The new Canadian flag first flew in 1965
- Red-white-red comes from the Royal Military College, Kingston (1876)
- Red and white became Canada's national colours in 1921
Canada flies more than one historic flag. The Union Jack is the official Royal Flag of Canada. The Canadian Red Ensign served as the country's flag for about 100 years before 1965, and since 2005 veterans have carried it officially at ceremonies and parades. Every province and territory also has a flag of its own. Each of those flags carries the traditions of that place, so the pattern of symbols repeats at the regional level as well as the national one.
Key Facts
- The Union Jack is Canada's official Royal Flag
- The Red Ensign was the flag for about 100 years
- Veterans have carried the Red Ensign officially since 2005
- Provinces and territories each have their own flag
Test yourself on this topic
7 practice questions from “Flags in Canada”, each with the answer explained.
- The red-white-red pattern of the national flag was taken from the flag of what?
- In what year was the Royal Military College at Kingston founded?
- Since what year have red and white been the national colours of Canada?
- Red and white were the colours of which two countries from the Middle Ages onward?
- For roughly how long did the Canadian Red Ensign serve as Canada's flag?
- Which year saw Canada's maple leaf flag first flown?
- Which flag serves as Canada's Royal Flag?
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