February 15: National Flag of Canada Day
Prayer Idea
Pray for the leaders and people of Canada.
History Note
The Dominion of Canada was formed on July 1, 1867, as a confederation between several British provinces in North America. Over time other territories and provinces joined the confederation, which technically remained part of the British Empire.
The British Parliament passed a law in 1931 that granted Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Irish Free State, and Newfoundland almost complete autonomy. (Newfoundland would become a province of Canada in 1949.) Canada did not obtain complete independence from the United Kingdom until 1982.
For many decades, Canada used as national flags the Royal Union Flag of the United Kingdom and a military flag known as the Canadian Red Ensign. As Canadians approached the 100th anniversary of confederation, some wanted to adopt a new, unique flag for the country. After much debate about several possible designs, the Canadian parliament adopted a new flag in 1964. It was raised officially for the first time on February 15, 1965.
This is the official 1965 proclamation of the new flag of Canada, written in English and French.
Learn More
Watch this video of the raising of Canada’s new flag in 1965.
Learn more about Canada at Homeschool History.
