This article has multiple issues. Please help or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages)
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: – ···scholar·JSTOR(October 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
This article possibly contains original research. Please by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed.(October 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
(Learn how and when to remove this template message)
The Canadian national flag flying next to a statue of Terry Fox
The national flag of Canada with the flags of the Canadian provinces and territories
This is a list of flags used in Canada. The Department of Canadian Heritage lays out protocol guidelines for the display of flags, including an order of precedence; these instructions are only conventional, however, and are generally intended to show respect for what are considered important symbols of the state or institutions.[1] The Queen's personal standard is supreme in the order of precedence, followed by those for the monarch's representatives (depending on jurisdiction), the personal flags of other members of the Royal Family,[2] and then the national flag and provincial flags.
Many museums across Canada display historic flags in their exhibits. The Canadian Museum of History, in Hull, Quebec has many culturally important flags in their collections. Settlers, Rails & Trails Inc., in Argyle, Manitoba holds the 2nd largest exhibit - known as the Canadian Flag Collection.
A field party per fess, green and yellow, with the shield of the coat of arms of Saskatchewan in the canton and western red lily emblem charged in the fly
A blue and white field party per pale (at nombril point) with a white border, white ordinary cross and white saltire, two triangular divisions in the fly lined in red, a golden arrow between two triangular divisions
A vertical tricolour triband of green, white, blue with the shield of the coat of arms of Yukon above a wreath of fireweed charged in the pale, with pale ratio of 1 to 1.5 to 1
1999–present
Flag of Nunavut
A field party per pale, yellow and white, with a red inukshuk charged in the centre and a blue star in the upper fly
Royal[]
Main article: Royal Standards of Canada
Flag
Date
Use
Description
1962–present
Royal Standard of Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada
A banner of the Royal Arms of Canada defaced with a royal cypher of Queen Elizabeth II
The badge of the Cadet Instructors Cadre, with the traditional colours of the Navy, Army and the Air Force. The golden border represents the young people that CIC officers work for.
?−1965
Based King's Colour, as used by the Royal Military College of Canada
King's Colour of the Royal Military College of Canada with the Union Flag.
Canadian Army[]
Flag
Date
Use
Description
1939–1944
Old flag of the Canadian Army
1968–1998
Old flag of the Canadian Army
1998–2013
Old flag of the Canadian Army
2013–2016
Old flag of the Canadian Army
2016–present
Flag of the Canadian Army
A scarlet red field with the National Flag of Canada in the canton and the Canadian Army badge charged in the fly
?–present
Flag of the Commander of the Canadian Army
Royal Canadian Navy[]
Flag
Date
Use
Description
1968–present
Canadian Naval Ensign
A white field with the National Flag of Canada in the canton and charged in the fly with an anchor, eagle and naval crown in blue
1968–present
Canadian Forces Auxiliary Jack
A blue field with the National Flag of Canada in the canton and charged in the fly with an anchor, eagle and naval crown in white
c. 1964–present
Flag of the
A field party per bend, blue and sanguine, with a fouled anchor in gold charged in the centre
RCN (1911–1965)
RCSCC (1905–1965)
Used as the ensign of the Royal Canadian Navy and some Royal Canadian Sea Cadets corps. Used throughout the entire British Empire by the Royal Navy and by several former British colonies even after they became independent and established their own navies.
A field of air force blue with the National Flag of Canada in the canton and the Royal Canadian Air Force roundel charged in the fly
Canada Border Services Agency[]
Flag
Date
Use
Description
2012–present
Flag of the Canada Border Services Agency
A Blue field with the National Flag of Canada in the canton and the Canada Border Services Agency badge charged in the fly
Coast Guard[]
Flag
Date
Use
Description
1962–present
Flag of the Canadian Coast Guard
A banner of the arms of the Canadian Coast Guard: vertical diband of white and blue, a red maple leaf emblem charged in the hoist and a pair of fish in gold and facing opposite directions charged in the fly
?–present
Honorary Commissioner Flag
Governor General's flag in the canton.
Police[]
Flag
Date
Use
Description
1991–present
Ensign of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
A red field with a blue canton bordered yellow with a representation of the Badge of the RCMP
A white flag with a Union Flag at the canton, with the badge of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets at the fly. This is the basis of the current flag of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets.
A Canadian flag in the same shape as a queen's colour used in the Canadian Armed Forces, with the maple leaf modified with the badge of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. At the canton, the cypher of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as former colonel-in-chief of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. At the fly, a badge representing the Canadian Army (the crown of Saint Edward above crossed swords).
1944–1973
Flag of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets used by individual Army Cadet Corps used before 1973.
January 1973–present
Flag of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets used by individual Army Cadet Corps.
?
Camp Flag of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets.
On a white field, the badge of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets in the centre.
A banner of the shield of the arms of the Army Cadet League of Canada. According to the heraldic grant, the shield of the arms of the Army Cadet League of Canada is "Argent two swords in saltire Argent fimbriated Gules hilted and pommelled Or surmounted by a maple leaf Gules veined Or all within an orle of twelve maple leaves stems inward Gules."[7] The web site of the Governor General of Canada explains this description as follows: "The white shield, bearing a maple leaf and crossed broad swords, alludes to a central Canadian entity with direct connection to the military. The twelve smaller maple leaves show singleness of purpose but at the Branch level.[7]
Based on the design of for the Royal Canadian Air Force, with the badge of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets replacing the maple leaf. At the canton, the cypher of GeneralHRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as Air Commodore in Chief of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. On the bottom fly, the first badge of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, a golden maple leaf above an eagle.
An Air Force blue flag, with a Canadian flag at the canton, with the historical badge of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
?
Squadron Banner of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets
An Air Force blue flag, with the badge of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and a scroll stating the squadron's name and number (this example, 643 St-Hubert Squadron.
A 1/3 red and 2/3 green flag with the badge of the Junior Canadian Rangers on the fly.
Civil[]
Flag
Date
Use
Description
1922–1923
Canadian Civil Aviation Ensign, briefly used by the Air Board.
A field of light blue with the Union Flag in the canton and a shield with white albatross superimposed upon three maple leaves in the middle of the fly.
Corporations[]
Crown corporations[]
Flag
Date
Use
Description
1992–present
Flag of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
A blue and red field with the logo of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation charged in the centre; logo was first introduced in 1992
1978–present
Flag of the Royal Canadian Mint
A red field with the logo of the Royal Canadian Mint charged in the centre; logo was first introduced in 1978
It has been suggested that this section be split out into another article titled . (Discuss) (September 2021)
Flag
Date
Use
Description
Unknown–present
Flag of the Anishinaabek
A black pictographic thunderbird on a white field
Unknown–present
Simplified flag of the Atikamekw
Unknown–present
Flag of the Haida Nation
A red field with an eagle and raven headed bird, surrounded by a circlet, charged in the centre
Unknown–present
Flag of the Innu Nation
Horizontal bands of teal, white and light blue, within the blue sits a centre snowshoe flanked by reindeer skulls on both sides
Unknown–present
Flag of the Secwepemc Nation
Flag features 17 feathers representing the 17 bands in the Secwépemc Nation. The feathers are mostly black, with a white portion in the middle. The white portion signifies those communities which were wiped out by disease and other trauma following contact
A white field with a red Latin cross and a red star and moon in the left quadrants; white denotes purity of creation, the red cross represents mankind and infinity, the sun and moon the forces of day and night,[9] the flag is meant to be displayed hanging vertically as shown here[10]
1980s–present
Flag of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy
A mauve field party per fess by a band of white squares joined and a stylized white "Tree of Peace" charged in the centre; design is adapted from the Hiawathawampum belt, each element represents an original nation in the confederacy
Circle wreath of Nlaka'pamux pictographs set on a grey field
2012–present
Flag of Deisleen Ḵwáan, Lingít Aaní
Horizontally striped, red-white-red, 1-3-1, with five totems or emblems in the centre, from left to right: Kùkhhittàn (Raven Children), Ishklitàn (Frog), Yanyèdi (Wolf), Sèshitàn (Beaver), Dakhlʼawèdi (Eagle)
A vertical tricolour triband of black, white, and sanguine with the badge of the Nisga'a Nation,[11] surrounded by black and sanguine ovals, charged in the Canadian pale[12]
A dark blue flag with thin centered horizontal white wavy stripe overlapping the bottom of a yellow sun disc with background-color fimbriation showing where these meet and four red teepees with white fimbriation and poles set in a row on the bottom half; yellow upright five-pointed star on the upper fly.
A white field with a white, green, and blue inukshuk charged in the centre
2018–present
Flag of NunatuKavut
The flag features an ulu, a traditional Inuit knife used by women. Within the ulu image is a dog sled team, showing the importance of husky dogs, as well as a kudlik, a traditional seal oil lamp
Tri-colored flag, blue, white then red. A yellow star representing independence and unique culture from main land France.
1975–present
Flag of the Franco-Ontarians
A field party per pale, green and white, with a white fleur-de-lys charged in the hoist and a green trillium emblem charged in the fly
1976–present
Flag of the Fransaskois
A yellow field with a green Nordic cross centred towards the upper hoist and a red fleur-de-lis charged in the lower fly
1980–present
Flag of the Franco-Manitobans
A white field with yellow over sanguine bars with a green plant emblem in four pieces charged in the hoist
1981–present
Flag of the Franco-Columbians
A white field party per pale by a bar gemelles and dancetty, a fleur-de-lys and Pacific Dogwood emblem charged in the fly; Dogwood is the floral emblem of British Columbia, the blue stripes evoke the Pacific Ocean and the rising mountains beside, the yellow centre of the Dogwood flower represents the sun
1982–present
Flag of the Franco-Albertans
A field party per bend sinister, blue and white, by a bend cotised white and blue with a white fleur-de-lys in the upper hoist and a red wild rose in the lower fly
A blue field and three diagonal stripes set from lower hoist to upper fly. The colours of the stripes are white and golden yellow. The effect created by the arrangement of the stripes is meant to represent Yukon's many mountains. Blue is for the French people and the sky. White is for winter and snow. Yellow represents the gold rush and the Franco-Yukonnais contributions to history of the territory.
1986–present
Flag of the Fédération des Francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador (Franco-Terreneuviens)
Three unequal panels of blue, white, and red, with two yellow sails set on the line between the white and red panels. The sail on top is charged with a spruce twig, while the bottom sail is charged with a pitcher flower.
A polar bear on a snowy hill, looking forward towards a snowflake/Fleur-de-lis combined, representing the French community of the Northwest Territories of Canada.
2002–present
Flag of the Franco-Nunavois
Blue that represents the Arctic sky and white recalls the snow, abundantly present on the territory. The principal shape represent an igloo, and under this one, the inukshuk which symbolise the human presence. A single dandelion flower grows from beneath it.
Immigrants[]
Flag
Date
Use
Description
2008–present
Flag of Gaelic Canadians
Adopted by the Comhairle na Gàidhlig (The Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia), the salmon represents the gift of knowledge in the Gaelic storytelling traditions of Nova Scotia, Scotland and Ireland and the Isle of Man. The “G” represents the Gaelic language and the ripples are the manifestations of the language through its rich culture of song, story, music, dance and custom and belief system.[13]
The proposed flag for the Republic of Lower Canada (1838). It is still used today by some souverainists, in mostly 4 variants: the original, and three versions with the yellow star in the top left corner. Of which, two of them have Henri Julien's Patriot painting of 1904, one in colour and the other stylised in black and white.
1837–1838
Flag of the Republic of Canada
Two white stars representing the colonies of Upper and Lower Canada on the upper half with "LIBERTY" inscribed on the lower half.
1830
La Presse Proposal
Design inspired by the australian flag.
1939
Ephrem Côté's Proposal
1946
Proposed flag for Canada
A red British ensign defaced with a large golden maple leaf outlined in white in the fly.
1947
Adélard Godbout's Proposal
1957
Jean-Francois Pouliot's Proposal
Green, detailed maple leaf on a red background.
1962
John-Guy Labarre's Proposal
A green Compass rose on a white background.
1964
Proposed flag for Canada by the Native Sons of Canada
Party per bend Gules and Argent a maple leaf Gules
1964
Proposal made during the Great Flag Debate featuring one maple leaves. "Group C" finalist considered by Parliamentary committee.[20]
1964
Proposal made during the Great Flag Debate featuring four maple leaves
Four large maple leaves occupy the center of the flag. Behind them is a white diamond on a blue background. The leaves are arranged similarly to the modern heraldic mark of the Prime Minister, and their stems form the Cross of Saint George in the middle.
1964
Proposal made during the Great Flag Debate featuring one maple leaves
The background is like the British flag without the diagonal stripes, there is a green maple leaf in the center and there are three stars on either side in the red stripe and two stars on either side in the vertical red stripe.
1964
Proposal made during the Great Flag Debate featuring ten maple leaves
Ten maple leaves are spread across the flag, and they likely represent the provinces. On the left are red leaves on a red background. The right side features the same colours inverted.
1964
Proposed flag for Canada, known as the Pearson Pennant
A blue field with a white square containing a three-leaf maple. The blue sides were meant to represent John A. Macdonald's description of the Canadian Pacific Railway and Canada's geography, "From sea to sea".
1994
Proposed flag for Canada, known as the Canadian Unity Flag
Blue vertical stripes replacing part of the red bands, in approximate proportion to population of French heritage.
1996
The Unilisé, a flag used by Canadian federalists in Quebec
A banner combining the flags of Canada and Quebec. Made in 1996 after the Quebec independence referendum by federalists who supported remaining with Canada to represent national unity.
A field party per fess, green and yellow, with a red-bordered grey ordinary cross; green represents the region's forests, yellow its agriculture, grey its industry and commerce, and red the vitality of the population
1974–present
Flag of Labrador
A field party per fess, white and azure, with a green horizontal band across the centre and a spruce twig in the upper hoist
A Blue Ensign defaced with the great seal of the Colony of Vancouver Island. Used informally today.[21] This unofficial flag was designed in the 1980s to retroactively represent the colony (1849–1866). In 1865 the Crown gave colonies permission to place their badges on the fly of the Blue Ensign; thus vexillologists could argue that this flag is official.[22]
1988–present
Flag of Western Canada
Originally used by the Western Independence Party, it was designed in 1988 ahead of the party's first election.
1949–present
Flag of Outer Bald Tusket Island
Flag used by one of the first micronation, name Principality of Outer Baldonia, it is sometimes used on fishing boats and on souvenirs.
Disputed-present
Flag of Cape Breton Island
A field tierced per forest green and white, with a green saltire and yellow circle reading "Cape Breton Island" on the top, and "Canada" on the bottom, with a green stylized map of Cape Breton Island in the middle. The green is taken from the island's tartan.
Though being the most commonly used flag it is not the official flag and is disputed by supporters of the officially recognized 1993 flag designed by Kelly Gooding[23]
^ abDepartment of National Defence (2001-01-05). A-AD-200-000/AG-000 The Honours, Flags and Heritage Structure of the Canadian Forces Chap 4 Annex A. Directorate of History and Heritage.
^"Fleur-de-lys | The Canadian Encyclopedia". www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca. At the time of New France (1534 to the 1760s), two flags could be viewed as having national status. The first was the banner of France — a blue square flag bearing three gold fleurs-de-lys. It was flown above fortifications in the early years of the colony. For instance, it was flown above the lodgings of Pierre Du Gua de Monts at Île Sainte-Croix in 1604. There is some evidence that the banner also flew above Samuel de Champlain’s habitation in 1608. ..... the completely white flag of the French Royal Navy was flown from ships, forts and sometimes at land-claiming ceremonies.
^"INQUINTE.CA | CANADA 150 Years of History ~ The story behind the flag". inquinte.ca. When Canada was settled as part of France and dubbed "New France," two flags gained national status. One was the Royal Banner of France. This featured a blue background with three gold fleurs-de-lis. A white flag of the French Royal Navy was also flown from ships and forts and sometimes flown at land-claiming ceremonies.
^W. Stewart Wallace (1948). The Encyclopedia of Canada, Vol. II, Toronto, University Associates of Canada. pp. 350–351. During the French régime in Canada, there does not appear to have been any French national flag in the modern sense of the term. The "Banner of France", which was composed of fleur-de-lys on a blue field, came nearest to being a national flag, since it was carried before the king when he marched to battle, and thus in some sense symbolized the kingdom of France. During the later period of French rule, it would seem that the emblem...was a flag showing the fleur-de-lys on a white ground.... as seen in Florida. There were, however, 68 flags authorized for various services by Louis XIV in 1661; and a number of these were doubtless used in New France
