Canadian flag symbolism, On February 15, 1965 Canada adopted the red and white flag with one maple leaf as it's official flag. All federal government buildings fly the Canadian flag.

The maple leaf has been associated with Canada since the 1700s. Maple leaf trees can be found in Europe, Asia and North America. The deciduous trees are prominent in Canada as well as the maple syrup and sugar exports that they were used for.

It was decided in the mid 1960s by the Pearson Liberal Government that Canada should have a flag of its own. (For a while, the flag was known as 'Pearson's Pennant'.) From the outset of his administration Pearson had his heart set on approval by Parliament of a Canadian Flag. Up to that point Canada had used the Union Jack, and later, the Red Ensign (the flag of the British merchant marines) with a Canadian badge. Therefore, part of the reason for the move was to accommodate a changing Quebec which resented the symbol of English oppression on the national flag.

This move however was seen as highly controversial and strongly opposed by former PM Deifenbaker and the Conservative opposition at the time. They felt that Canada should stay loyal to Britain and Canada should stay true to its roots by maintaining the the Union Jack on the flag. (At this time, Canada was not yet a full country.) They led the House of Commons in singing God Save the Queen (for one of the last times ever in the House of Commons) in opposition to the move.

The House of Commons formed a committee to consider a design for the flag in the mid-60s. The first committee had actually been established by Prime Minister Mackenzie King in 1925 but never reported.

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