Canada's longest battle was waged in parliament over the
introduction of a uniquely Canadian symbol.....the flag.
That is not to assume that a distinctly Canadian flag wasn't considered before
the maple leaf version was adopted.....the current design was actually
discussed as early as 1919.
Up until, 1945, the only "official" flag that Canada flew was the Union Jack.
The Red Ensign was flown for Canada, at sea and at posts throughout the world,
and in 1945 (with the addition of Royal Arms) it was established as the
"temporary" Canadian flag, until a replacement was found. They did not realize
it would be another 20 years before that would happen.
When William Lyon Mackenzie King suggested that Canada consider researching
and adopting its own flag, he fell under much criticism. In short, many people
felt they had fought in WWI under a waving Union Jack and that it would be
disrespectful to replace it.
The flag issue was dropped until WWII when King insisted Canadian Forces be
acknowledged for their part in the war rather than as a part of Britain's
effort. The Canadian Army, not having a distinctive flag for themselves
started to use the Red Ensign with the shield of the Coat of Arms of Canada in
January 1944. The Royal Canadian Air Force followed soon after.
King decided to try to bring the issue of a distinctly Canadian flag to the
forefront of debate in parliament. The response was the same as the first
time. King was burned and his popularity in office was damaged.
Again the issue went unresolved.
Lester B. Pearson was the next Prime Minister to start flag waving, and
proposed his own design in 1964.
Diefenbaker heartily opposed him. Subsequently, a
committee was established to determine the best design. It was September 1964
and they were given 6 weeks to conclude. By a process of elimination the
current Canadian flag came out on top. It was officially inaugurated on
February 15, 1965.
Pearson faced the same intensity of battle and the same criticisms as King had
faced years previously. The battle was just as ferocious and political, but at
the end Canada had a new National Flag
