February 15, 1965, at noon marked a historic moment for Canada—the first time our national flag was raised on Parliament Hill. After receiving thousands of design submissions from Canadians, a special flag committee narrowed the choices to three finalists: the Pearson Pennant, a design featuring a central maple leaf alongside blue borders; a concept incorporating the Union Jack and the historic Royal Banner of France; and finally, George Stanley’s bold and simple design—a single red maple leaf on a white background with red borders. It was this final design that became the iconic symbol we proudly celebrate today.

Join us as we celebrate what it means to be Canadian—our rich history, diverse culture, and strong sense of unity.

To learn more about our flag and it’s history, visit National Flag of Canada Day — February 15 - Canada.ca.

Government of Canada – The Flag That Unites Us