Post-War Canada & The Cold War · Term 3

The New Flag & National Symbols

The Great Flag Debate of 1964 and the search for Canadian symbols, reflecting evolving national identity.

About This Topic

The Great Flag Debate of 1964 was a defining moment in the search for modern Canadian symbols. For nearly a century, Canada had used the Red Ensign, which featured the British Union Jack. Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson proposed a new, distinctively Canadian flag to better reflect the country's growing independence and its multicultural identity. This led to a bitter and emotional debate in Parliament and across the country, as many Canadians felt a deep attachment to the old British symbols.

This topic explores the different designs proposed, including the 'Pearson Pennant', and the eventual selection of the single red maple leaf. Students examine how national symbols are chosen and what they say about a country's values and its relationship with its past. This is a key part of the Ontario curriculum, focusing on the evolution of Canadian identity and heritage. This topic benefits from design challenges and structured debates about the meaning of symbols. Students grasp the power of national imagery faster through peer-led discussions and by creating their own symbols for Canada today.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the primary arguments presented by both proponents and opponents during the 1964 Canadian flag debate.
• Explain how the selection of national symbols, such as flags and emblems, reflects a nation's evolving identity and values.
• Compare and contrast the symbolism of the Red Ensign with the proposed 'Pearson Pennant' and the final Maple Leaf flag.
• Evaluate the significance of the 1964 flag debate as a turning point in Canadian self-determination and national identity.
• Design a new national symbol for Canada that represents contemporary Canadian values and aspirations.

Before You Start

Canada's Role in World Wars and Confederation

Why: Understanding Canada's early history and its relationship with Great Britain provides context for the significance of symbols like the Union Jack.

Early 20th Century Canadian Politics

Why: Familiarity with the political landscape and the concept of Canadian autonomy helps students grasp the motivations behind seeking a distinct national identity.

Key Vocabulary

Red Ensign	The former Canadian national flag, featuring the Union Jack in the canton and the Canadian coat of arms on a red field. It symbolized Canada's historical ties to Great Britain.
Pearson Pennant	One of the proposed designs for a new Canadian flag during the 1964 debate, featuring three red maple leaves on a white field between two blue vertical bars. It was put forward by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson.
National Identity	A sense of belonging to one nation, often shaped by shared history, culture, language, and symbols. It can evolve over time as a country develops.
Biculturalism	The recognition and promotion of two distinct cultural groups within a nation, often referring to the English and French linguistic communities in Canada.
Multiculturalism	The presence and acceptance of multiple distinct cultural or ethnic groups within a society. Canada officially adopted multiculturalism as a policy in the 1971.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Flag Committee

Divide the class into small groups, each acting as a member of the 1964 Flag Committee. They must review different proposed designs and debate which one best represents Canada's past, present, and future, eventually presenting their 'winning' design to the class.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Formal Debate: Red Ensign vs. Maple Leaf

Students debate the arguments for and against changing the flag in 1964. One side represents the 'traditionalists' who valued the tie to Britain, while the other represents the 'modernists' who wanted a unique Canadian symbol.

⏱ 45 min·Whole Class

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Think-Pair-Share: Symbols of Canada Today

Students look at a variety of Canadian symbols (e.g., the beaver, the canoe, the poppy, Indigenous symbols). They discuss with a partner which symbols they think are most relevant today and whether Canada needs new symbols to reflect its current diversity.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Real-World Connections

Political cartoonists, like those working for The Globe and Mail during the 1960s, use visual symbols to comment on national debates and public opinion, influencing how citizens perceive political issues.

Museum curators at the Canadian Museum of History analyze artifacts and historical documents, such as parliamentary records from the flag debate, to interpret and present Canada's past to the public.

Graphic designers today are often tasked with creating or updating logos and branding for national organizations or events, requiring an understanding of how visual elements communicate meaning and identity.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The Maple Leaf flag was always the obvious choice.

What to Teach Instead

There were thousands of designs submitted, and the debate was incredibly heated and divisive. Peer analysis of the different 'failed' designs helps students see that the final choice was a hard-won compromise.

Common Misconception

The flag debate was just about a piece of cloth.

What to Teach Instead

The debate was really about Canada's identity and its relationship with Britain. For many, it felt like a choice between honoring their heritage and embracing a new, uncertain future. Using a 'Symbolism and Identity' analysis helps students see the deep emotions involved.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the following question to small groups: 'Imagine you are a Member of Parliament in 1964. What arguments would you use to support or oppose a new Canadian flag, and why?' Have groups share their strongest arguments with the class.

Quick Check

Provide students with a list of symbols (e.g., the beaver, the RCMP, the maple leaf, the fleur-de-lis). Ask them to write one sentence for each explaining what value or aspect of Canadian identity it represents, and why it was or wasn't a good choice for a national symbol.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, ask students to write: 'One reason the 1964 flag debate was so divisive was...' and 'One way national symbols communicate a country's values is by...'

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Canada change its flag in 1965?

Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson wanted a flag that was uniquely Canadian and did not include the British Union Jack. He believed this would help to unite the country, particularly by being more inclusive of French Canadians and the growing number of non-British immigrants.

What was the 'Pearson Pennant'?

It was Pearson's preferred design for the new flag, featuring three red maple leaves on a white background with blue bars on either side (representing 'from sea to sea'). It was ultimately rejected in favor of the single-leaf design we have today.

Why was the flag debate so controversial?

Many Canadians, especially veterans and those of British descent, felt that removing the Union Jack was a sign of disrespect to their history and the sacrifices made under the Red Ensign. The debate lasted for months and involved thousands of letters and speeches.

How can active learning help students understand the flag debate?

Active learning strategies, such as simulating the flag committee and debating the different designs, help students understand the power of symbols and the complexity of national identity. By engaging with the emotions and the arguments of the time, students move beyond seeing the flag as just a fact to seeing it as a reflection of a country's evolving values. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding of how we choose to represent ourselves to the world.