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The Canadian Red Ensign became the de facto national
flag of Canada for many of its citizens in the late 1800’s and on
into the twentieth century. This came about because of a preference
for the Red Ensign over the Union Jack, the official national flag
for Canada as part of the British Empire.
In 1892, the Canadian Red Ensign was declared the official
flag of Canadian merchant ships and other sea-bearing crafts. It was
not the official flag for use on land, but it was often used for
this purpose.
Prior to 1922, the shield on the red ensign consisted
of the arms of four of Canada’s original provinces.
In 1922, the official Coat of Arms relaced those of the
provinces. This new
flag was approved as the flag to be used on Canadian premises
overseas in 1924, and was approved for use on government buildings
within Canada in 1945.
Whilst the Canadian Red Ensign served until 1965,
Canadians did not always welcome it as upholding national
independence. Canadians who were not of British heritage saw the
flag as a mark of the British Empire and colonisation.
In 1965 the Red Ensign was replaced by the Maple Leaf.
(Of interest, the Maple Leaf is well regarded by
vexillologists as an exceptional flag, simple in design and strong
in impact, its symbolism conveying its message immediately through
colour and form).
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