Gerry Bowler: Canada’s Fractious Flag Debate of 1964

Top left is the new maple leaf flag, next to the Red Ensign, with the Union Jack on the bottom right. In the bottom left corner is the original maple leaf flag proposed by Prime Minister Lester Pearson. Next is a revised version of the same flag, and the third is a design proposed by A.Y. Jackson of the Group of Seven. CP Wire

Commentary

One of the most heated debates in our national history occurred in 1964 over the question of whether Canada should adopt a new flag. The debate was a clash of the old and the young, the innovators versus the traditionalists, and contrasting views of the importance of history. A key milestone on the way to adopting the new flag was marked 59 years ago this week.