National Flag of Canada Day

National Flag of Canada Day celebrates the inauguration of Canada’s iconic red and white maple leaf flag. It’s a day when Canadians commemorate their national symbol and reflect on the values it represents: freedom, peace, respect, justice, and tolerance.

Quick Facts

When is it?: February 15
Tagged as: Flag Day
What’s the hashtag?: #CanadianFlagDay #FlagDayCanada
When was it founded?: 1996
Who founded it?: Prime Minister Jean Chrétien

History of National Flag of Canada Day

The day marks the historic moment when Canada’s maple leaf flag was first raised on Parliament Hill in 1965, replacing the Canadian Red Ensign. The design emerged from nearly 4,000 submissions, with George Stanley’s simple yet elegant concept winning unanimous approval.

Timeline

1964: Parliament votes to adopt new flag design
December 15, 1964: House of Commons approves design
January 28, 1965: Queen Elizabeth II proclaims new flag
February 15, 1965: First raising of new flag
February 15, 1996: National Flag Day declared

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month	Day
2025	February	15
2026	February	15
2027	February	15
2028	February	15
2029	February	15

Observed

The day is marked by flag-raising ceremonies, educational programs in schools, and public celebrations across Canada. While not a public holiday, it’s an important day of national pride.

Fun Facts About Canadian Flag

The Peace Tower flag is changed daily
The flag’s maple leaf has 11 points
The waiting list for a Parliament Hill flag is over 100 years
Canada’s flag has traveled to Mount Everest and space
The Peace Tower flag measures 4.6m wide by 2.3m tall

Quiz

How many points does the maple leaf have?
What year was the flag first raised?
Who designed the flag?
-(Answers: 11 points, 1965, George Stanley)

FAQs

Is Flag Day a statutory holiday?
No, it’s not a statutory holiday.
Why was the maple leaf chosen?
It was already a well-established Canadian symbol.
What do the colors represent?
Red and white were designated as Canada’s official colors by King George V in 1921.

Importance of National Flag Day

The day serves as a reminder of Canadian unity, sovereignty, and shared values. It provides an opportunity for citizens to reflect on their national identity and celebrate their heritage.