Question for Canadians

Hey all, thanks for reading this.

Not a dire emergency, but I was wondering why the Canadian flag doesn't have a Union Jack on it like other commonwealth countries, Australia & New Zealand.

I looked it up on google, but I'd rather hear it from those from Canada personally.

I just get info like, their used to be a UJack on the flag until 1965, but keep getting differing accounts about why it was changed.

Thanks!

Well, basically Canada didn't really have it's own unique flag until our former Prime Minster Lester B. Pearson changed it. Before this, the closest thing to a 'Canadian flag' was the Canadian Red Ensign. Also, MOST IMPORTANTLY the Maple Leaf flag is a lot more neutral for French Canadians who never viewed themselves as part of the British Empire. Think of it as a happy compromise.

Edit: This wiki article talks about the actual debate and might help too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Canadian_Flag_Debate

I believe that the proposed Canadian flag when Canada first became an independent nation DID have a Union Jack on it. 

Our current flag was largely adopted because Lester B. Pearson, the Prime Minister at the time, felt it was important that Canada adopt an official, unique flag as a unifying symbol.  Canada was founded by emigrants from many countries, and the Union Jack was hardly a welcome symbol for huge numbers of Canadians, including our significant Irish and French populations.  Thus, a pretty maple leaf, a distinct symbol, won out when Parliament finally chose a 100% Canadian flag in the 60s. 

Yup back in the 60's(I think around 1964 or 1965) Lester B Pearson had a contest to change the Canadian flag- which at the time was similar to the Aussie and Brit flags.  My mum said that a lot kids submitted their designs for the new flag and our current flag was the winner.  I like our "new" Flag.  Nobody sees it and gets confused as to what counry it belongs to! 

A huge amount of the debate was economic politics.  Diefenbaker and his conservative party were staunchly in favour of continued strong ties to the UK and hated the US (this attitude leading to our first and only military "coup"*) whereas Pearson and his Liberals were far more partial to warm relations to the US.  The flag debate and eventual choice was a wedge issue in the larger cultural and economic one.

Of course, the parties switched opinions somewhere in the 70's, and now the Liberals are wary of the US and the Conservatives agree with whatever the US president says...

*It was small so no one really noticed or cared.

Plus it was part of Pearson's election platform to change the flag.

Also, a  military "coup?" As in the Canadian military seized power from the democratically elected party in power? Perhaps you could fill me in on that one.

May I please turn you to "A Heritage Minute."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-tNQA2pOp4

These commercials taught me loads!!! 

May I please turn you to "A Heritage Minute."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-tNQA2pOp4

These commercials taught me loads!!! 

lol i miss those
i always remember the one about the women's vote lol

May I please turn you to "A Heritage Minute."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-tNQA2pOp4

These commercials taught me loads!!! 

lol i miss those
i always remember the one about the women's vote lol

My favourite was the 'Doctor, I smell burnt toast," one. A classic!

Plus it was part of Pearson's election platform to change the flag.

Also, a  military "coup?" As in the Canadian military seized power from the democratically elected party in power? Perhaps you could fill me in on that one.

It was during the Cuban missile crisis.  Diefenbaker hated JFK and refused to back him in anything, including our mutual sea defense agreements.   As PM he officially ordered all of our navy to stay in port and to not undertake any actions whatsoever.  Thus, when the US started the naval blockade, there was going to be a huge hole where the Canadian ships should've been.  If it had turned into a shooting war, nuclear or otherwise, all our ships and eastern coast ports could have ended up as craters, so the ships in question disobeyed the direct order from the legitimate civilian authority (ie the PM) and sailed anyway.  And then the whole thing got resolved and everyone agreed to not mention it ever happened.

...my favorite was "Johnson, Molly Johnson..."
or maybe "through the air, across the ocean, for the first time ever..."

I'm not being facetious when I say this, but I find it all fascinating, especially the bit about the military refusal!

Just one question, in the commercial, were those all actual designs or comedic bits for the Canadian Flag?

Thanks guys and well done all of you!  It was exactly what I was looking for; it really satisfied my questions of 'Why' and 'How'.

I'm not being facetious when I say this, but I find it all fascinating, especially the bit about the military refusal!

Just one question, in the commercial, were those all actual designs or comedic bits for the Canadian Flag?

Thanks guys and well done all of you!  It was exactly what I was looking for; it really satisfied my questions of 'Why' and 'How'.

Many of those were legit I think. Especially the 'Pearson Pennant.' I studied Canadian history in University, so any chance to use my knowledge is much appreciated.