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Rival flag groups gather on Parliament Hill
Broadcast Date: June 1, 1964
Rival groups gathered on Parliament Hill today to show support for and anger over proposed national flags. One large group gathered on the west side of the walkway, lobbying for a new maple leaf flag. Another, singing God Save The Queen, stood on the east side waving Red Ensigns, the British navy's official flag. The two bands faced each other, booing and making catcalls.Rival flag groups gather on Parliament Hill
• Around the turn of the 20th century, Canadian designers submitted flags with maple leaves, crosses and beavers, as well as France's tricolour, to the government for consideration.• Between 1946 and 1964 Canadians submitted close to 3,000 flag designs to a committee. British flags made up 14 per cent, while 60 per cent had maple leaves. Other popular symbols were fleurs-de-lys and crowns.
• More than 80 per cent of Canadians surveyed in 1958 said they wanted a national flag that was not already flown by another country.
• The first parliamentary debate on which flag Canada should adopt took place at the turn of the 20th century.
Rival flag groups gather on Parliament Hill
Medium: Radio
Program: CBC Radio News
Broadcast Date: June 1, 1964
Guest(s):
Host: Earl Cameron
Reporter: Tom Leach
Duration: 2:09
Last updated:
Feb. 20, 2003
Television
8:38
At a Winnipeg Royal Canadian Legion convention of 2,000 people, Legionnaires in favour of the Red Ensign boo Pearson.
Television
8:25
After sitting 210 days, an extended parliamentary session ends with a vote for closure on the flag debate.
Rival flag groups gather on Parliament Hill.
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: Feb. 20, 2003.
[Page consulted on Feb. 13, 2012.]