Why Is the Flag of Canada Red and White?

When the official flag was commissioned in 1964, there were many ideas that were generated regarding the colors the flag would display, but the one that was decided upon was the red and white theme suggested by a Kingston, Ontario professor named George Stanley.

George Stanley came up with the idea by remembering that the two colors were officially decreed the official colors of Canada by King George V in the year 1921. 

The Canadian flag is divided into three sections, with two red ends and a white area separating them. The white area dons a bright red maple leaf, which signifies the fact that the maple leaf has been recognized as an unofficial symbol of the country of Canada since its adornment in various decorations for the arrival of the Prince of Wales in 1860.

The maple leaf design has 11 points, which have generated different ideas as to a meaning behind each one, though the only significant reason for the odd number is simple symmetry. The dimensions of the flag vary depending on the size of the flagpole that flies it, but it is always twice as long as it is wide, with the white center section being the same size as the flag’s width.

History of Canada’s Flag 

The Canadian flag has actually undergone several significant changes since its inception, even though the truth is that Canada didn’t have an official flag for representation until 1964, when then-Prime Minister Lester Pearson had a committee of 15 people assembled and gave them six weeks to come to an agreement on a new and official flag to represent the country.

This attempt was the third that had been commissioned by a Canadian Prime Minister, after the first two that had been tried by former Prime Minister Mackenzie King in both 1925 and 1946 had failed. The third, however, proved to have been successful, as after the committee had come to a final agreement, the Canadian flag that is flown today has not been altered since.