Canadian Flag Debate


Targets



In this lesson, you will complete a WebQuest:

You will learn about...


  • the issues that arose when Mr. Pearson started the debate about the new flag 
  • the causes of the flag debate
  • the issues involved, including why some people wanted a new flag and why some were offended by the idea
  • how people ‘defined’ Canada
  • suggestions made by various people
  • when the flag became official
  • symbols that are considered to be Canadian

Introduction


Our flag could have been one of these instead of the maple leaf we know.  Learn about the Great Flag Debate.



Canada did not have its own flag until 1965.  Until then, Canadians used the Union Jack, a British flag, as our flag.

In 1964, Lester Pearson (the man who won the Nobel Peace Prize) was the Prime Minister of Canada.  He wanted Canada to have a flag that was ours alone.  This lesson is about the debate that surrounded the choosing of the new flag – the maple leaf flag that we have used since 1964.



Click to enlarge image...