CANADA Birth of the Canadian Flag

Introduction Change, change and more change Quebec- The Quiet Revolution- take control of its affairs away from English control 1960’s would create national focus on education, welfare and health Three Separatist groups within Canada existed

Introduction Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism 1969 Official Languages Act (PM Trudeau) Decade of social and political protest Nuclear tests and protests Hippies Vietnam War

Introduction US and Canadian Relations- decent- Auto Pact Canada pension Plan 1966 Medicare 1968 EI Social Insurance Cards Change in Criminal Code – more liberal and open society 1967 World Expo 1967 French President Charles de Gaulle- “Vive le Quebec libre”

Focus: Canadian identity PM Mackenzie King- 1940’s- suggested that Canada should have a flag of its own 1920’s- 1940’s Red Ensign Veterans wanted to keep the Union Jack or another symbol of Britain Many Canadians however felt it was time to have a more modern identifiable flag, one not just for British ancestors but for the future of Canada Quebec

Focus: Canadian identity 1963 PM Lester B. Pearson (who won a Nobel peace prize) “settle the flag debate within two years” All Canadians could sketch and send in their ideas- a committee was also set up 1964 Diefenbaker (former PM) attacked Pearson’s idea Diefenbaker demanded a flag that respected the past and Pearson demanded a flag that looked forward that all Canadians could identify with

Focus: Canadian identity 5900 designs were submitted from a 15 member all party was created to examine and determine a choice See three finalists Historian George Stanley designed the final choice- single maple leaf with red bars on both sides *King George V- red and White were authorized as Canada’s official colours

Focus: Canadian identity Stanley’s reasons: - The first Canadiens used the Maple Leaf as an emblem - Canadians had in the past up to the 60’s wore it as a symbol - The maple leaf was on the coat of arms of Canada, Quebec and Ontario - The maple leaf was not a symbol of any other country - It stands out, even from a distance - It avoids racial symbols which could be divisive

Activity See handout from “Creating Canada: A History 1914 to the Present” pg. 337