What was the Canadian Flag Debate?
During the 1963 federal election campaign, Liberal leader Lester B. Pearson promised that if the Liberals won the election, Canada would have a new flag within two years. After the election of the Liberal government, in the early months of 1964, the new Prime Minister met with several flag experts to discuss flag design.
Pearson wanted a “made in Canada” flag — one that contained a unique Canadian symbol to promote Canadian unity, one that would also help in protecting a growing separatist climate in Quebec.
In May 1964, Pearson announced the new flag design. Pearson’s design of the flag was of three red maple leaves on a white background, with two blue bars on the side, to show that Canada stretched “from sea to sea.”
Before making the official announcement on May 19th, Pearson tested the new flag design by making a speech to War Veterans in Winnipeg. The Veterans, who had fought under the Canadian Red Ensign, were heckling the Prime Minister throughout his speech.
The Progressive Conservative party also had negative thoughts on the flag. They said that it did not include any historical symbols recognizing Canada’s British and French heritage. In a memo form John Diefenbaker, he said:
"The Pearson flag is a meaningless Flag. There is no recognition of history; no indication of the existence of French and English Canada; the partnership of the races; no acknowledgement of history. It is a flag without a past, without history, without honour and without pride.”
While some of the other parties supported Pearson (with some changes to the basic flag design), the Liberals needed the support of the Progressive Conservatives in the House of Commons to support the legislation that would officially rise the new flag. Also, for the flag to be a unifying symbol, it would need a very substantial show of support from Parliament.
Reaction outside of the House of Commons to the new flag design was mixed. Some liked it, but others hated it, so it was a very mixed reaction.
By September, Pearson knew he had to make some changes.
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LESTER B. PEARSONA likeable and patient man, Canadian Prime Minister Lester Pearson had a conciliatory approach he learned in his career as a diplomat.
To find out more about him CLICK HERE. |
JOHN DIEFENBAKERAn entertaining and theatrical speaker, John Diefenbaker was a Canadian populist who combined Conservative politics with social justice issues.
To find out more about him CLICK HERE. |