Home · Politics · Language & Culture · The Great Canadian Flag Debate
Topic spans: 1964 - 1964
The Great Canadian Flag Debate
For nearly a century Canada had no distinctive national flag. Each time Canadians suggested a new symbol to replace the Canadian Red Ensign, modelled after a British naval flag, there was controversy. Maple leaves, beavers, crosses, crowns — propositions that went nowhere. In 1964 Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson said he'd introduce a new national flag. But Opposition leader John Diefenbaker and the Royal Canadian Legion wanted to stick with the Red Ensign. Everyone had an opinion before Canada finally chose the red and white flag with the maple leaf.
Original photo by Cliff Buckman, John Matheson fonds, Locator V016, Courtesy of Queen's University Archives
12 television clips
4 radio clips
Closure ends flag debate
Broadcast Date: Dec. 15, 1964
After sitting 210 days, an extended parliamentary session ends in December 1964 as the House of Commons votes for closure on the flag debate. The motion, introduced by the ruling Liberal party, puts an end to a wild session of name-calling and intricate political manoeuvering. Opposition leader John Diefenbaker says closure is bad for the parliamentary system and accuses Pearson of trying to impose his flag on the people.New Democratic Party leader Tommy Douglas says he's glad to see an end to the Progressive Conservative filibuster, although the Liberals are to blame because they pushed for the maple leaf flag. Liberal member of Parliament John Matheson says the new design's use of the national colours of red and white, rather than blue, is more "correct" for Canada because blue harks back to the Queen.
Closure ends flag debate
• Against party line, Progressive Conservative MP Léon Balcer agreed with the Liberals, suggesting the government invoke closure on the flag debate.• After passing a closure motion, Parliament voted to adopt a new flag 163 to 78 at 2 a.m. on Dec. 15, 1964.
• Back in 1925, Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King declared that the government would not adopt a national flag without a House of Commons resolution "and the full sanction of the Parliament of Canada."
Closure ends flag debate
Medium: Television
Program: CBC Newsmagazine
Broadcast Date: Dec. 15, 1964
Guest(s): Réal Caouette, Gordon Churchill, John Diefenbaker, Tommy Douglas, Guy Favreau, John Matheson, Patrick Nowlan
Host: Norman DePoe
Duration: 8:25
Last updated:
Aug. 30, 2003
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16 clips in this topic . page
Radio
3:05
Jan. 14, 1968
When the tree that inspired the song The Maple Leaf Forever loses a branch, Max Ferguson goes out on a limb.
Closure ends flag debate.
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: Aug. 30, 2003.
[Page consulted on Feb. 14, 2012.]