- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
Registration of the National Flag of Canada
March 15, 2005
Vol. IV, p. 460
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Flag
Gules on a Canadian pale Argent a maple leaf Gules;
Symbolism
Flag
The maple leaf has been used as a Canadian symbol since at least the early 19th century. A sprig of three maple leaves appears in the Royal Arms of Canada proclaimed in 1921, originally shown as green on a white background, but altered in 1957 to red on white. This likely inspired the choice of colours for the flag.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on June 11, 2005, in Volume 139, page 2034 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Dr. George Stanley, and recommended for adoption by a Senate and House of Commons Committee in 1964
Painter
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
National (General)
The recipient’s emblem was approuved by Royal Proclamation of Her Majesty the Queen on the 28th day of January 1965 with the effective date of the 15th day of February 1965;