The Canadian Flag, eh? by J.C. Kavanagh

To purchase your copy (or all three!) of this award-winning series, click here:
https://www.bookswelove.com/shop/series/the-twisted-climb

The flag is only 61 years old. That, in itself, is hard to believe as Canada, the country, will be 161 years old in July.

So, what's up with that?

Canada's history dates back hundreds of years. After many battles between France and Britain and the U.S. for control of the 'new land,' Britain prevailed and Canada's unofficial flag, from the 17th Century until 1871, was the United Kingdom's Union Jack. After that, a newly designed flag, the Red Ensign flag representing the Dominion of Canada, was unveiled, one which added Canada's official Coat of Arms.

The United Kingdom's Royal Union Flag, commonly referred to as the Union Jack.

The Red Ensign flag, commonly used at sea and land since the 1870s.

It wasn't until the 1920s, after World War I, and again after World War II, that the Canadian government moved forward with the development of a new flag. There was much opposition to the idea of a new flag, especially one that did not reflect British history. Nevertheless, three prospective flag proposals were presented to the government in 1963. The idea was to have a new flag designed and approved before Canada's 100th anniversary of Confederation in 1967.

Canada's flag committee, 1964. Hanging above the men are some of the proposed flags,
selected from the thousands of submissions from Canadians country-wide.

After much discussion, the committee shortlisted three finalists.

Dubbed the "Pearson Pennant," this was the then-Prime Minister's recommended flag.

This version included Britain's Union Jack and France's historic golden fleurs-de-lys.

And the winner... inspired by the flag of the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, which was itself inspired by the red and white stripes of the Canada General Service Medal (1866 - 1870).
The 13 points of the maple leaf were later reduced to 11 points as to be seen more clearly from afar.

The new flag was officially recognized and raised in Canada's capital city, Ottawa, on February 15, 1965. Then Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson marked the occasion with these words: "May the land over which this new flag flies remain united in freedom and justice... sensitive, tolerant and compassionate towards all."

February 1965 - raising the new Canadian flag for the first time
in front of Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario.
Photo credit to the National Film Board of Canada.

If the name 'Lester B. Pearson' rings a bell, the international airport in Toronto, Ontario, was named after him. Mr. Pearson served as leader of the Liberal Party from 1958 to 1968 and was Prime Minister of Canada from 1963 to 1968.

There you have it. This info could very well contain a winning answer for all you trivia buffs out there.

Question for you trivia people: In which country is The Twisted Climb series' Dream World / Un-World located?

I do hope that this new year, 2026, brings peace, compassion, joy and prosperity to you and yours. And don't forget to tell the ones you love that you love them!

J.C. Kavanagh, author of
The Twisted Climb - A Bright Darkness (Book 3) Best YA Book FINALIST at Critters Readers Poll 2022
AND
The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends (Book 2) voted BEST Young Adult Book 2018, Critters Readers Poll and Best YA Book FINALIST at The Word Guild, Canada
AND
The Twisted Climb,
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2016, P&E Readers Poll
Voted Best Local Author, Simcoe County, Ontario, 2021
Novels for teens, young adults and adults young-at-heart

Email: author.j.c.kavanagh@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/J.C.Kavanagh 
www.amazon.com/author/jckavanagh
Instagram @authorjckavanagh
https://www.bookswelove.com/shop/series/the-twisted-climb