1. Canada used a British flag since the country’s independence until 1965

Canada became an independent nation in 1867 without shedding blood and with no big and epic battles (Canadians being as peaceful and polite as usual) and so they left their former colonizer on such friendly terms that since then and for almost 100 years the country used the British Red Ensign or some of its variations as national flag instead of creating their own flag.

2. It created diplomatic problems in peace talks

During the Suez Canal crisis of 1963, Prime Minister Lester Pearson mediated between the disputing nations, United Kingdom, France and Israel against Egypt, on behalf of Canada. Under the circumstances, the Canadian flag created a diplomatic problem because it was still a red flag with the Union Jack in its right upper quarter. Egyptians were so offended that the Canadian peace forces were rejected. Two years later Pearson managed to create the current Canadian flag.

3. The Canadian flag is «aerodynamic»

The Canadian flag is a very recent creation. Its design used the most advanced techniques and technologies, particularly in terms of visibility and recognition in adverse conditions (flags in ships and aircrafts, in storms, wind or poor visibility conditions). Its creators, George F. G. Stanley, an historian, and John Matheson, a lawyer and politician,  used  wind tunnels to choose the most recognizable maple leaf from any distance and in any condition.

4. Its leaf was redesigned so as not to be real

The famous “maple leaf” is the iconic element of the flag, also a national symbol for Canadians. By the nineteenth century it already was a popular symbol, meaning that, just as maple trees, Canadians are able to withstand any challenge or difficulty. As well as being easy to recognize, the leaf was designed to resemble the shape of all maple leaves but at the same time it had to be different from all ten varieties of Canadian maple trees, so that all territories could identify with the famous eleven-pointed leaf.

5. A flag with advertising campaigns

Being such a recent and modern flag, the Canadian government launched several advertising campaigns to increase both visibility and use of the flag among nationals and institutions, and to promote national unity and identity around the new red and white flag, the «Maple Leaf». Interestingly, there is no law that governs usage of the Canadian flag, just a few ministerial guidelines, so Canadian citizens can use it whenever and however they want.