The design of our Canadian flag, consisting of the red maple leaf, was created in 1925, but at the time the Canadian Red Ensign and the Union Jack represented Canada until 1946. At that time new designs were submitted to a select Parliamentary committee but it wasn't until the centennial celebrations of Confedration were approaching and Canada still had no flag of its own that a search began in earnest.

In 1946 the Prime Minister at that time, Lester B. Pearson, told the House of Commons that the government wanted a national flag to be ready by 1967 and the centennail celebrations. Red and white was considered Canada's national colours in 1921, and finally in 1964 the inclusion of the maple leaf in the new Canadian flag was officially recognised.

Canada was established as a self-governing country on July 1, 1867, thus making it 142 years old today!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!