The Canadian flag is a powerful symbol of our nation, representing our history, values, and identity. To ensure that this symbol is always treated with respect and dignity, it’s important to understand the proper rules for flying it.
Key Rules for Flying the Canadian Flag:
- Dedicated Flagpole: The Canadian flag should always be flown on its own dedicated flagpole.
- Proper Hoisting: When hoisted, the sleeve of the flag (the side with the hoist ring) should be placed nearest to the flagpole.
- Vertical Display: When displayed vertically, the stem of the Maple Leaf should point to the left.
- Day and Night Display: The Canadian flag can be flown both day and night. There is no requirement for illumination after sundown.
Displaying the Canadian Flag Indoors:
- Finials: All indoor flagpoles should be topped with a finial. Acceptable finials include spheres/balls, maple leaves, acorns, and spear points.
- Canadian Flags: Canadian flags (national, provincial/territorial, Governor General, Lieutenant Governors, and Territorial Commissioners) can be displayed on poles with any of these finials.
- Foreign Flags: When displaying foreign flags indoors, use poles with spear point or acorn finials. Avoid maple leaf finials for foreign flags.
- Combined Displays: For displays featuring both Canadian and foreign flags, maintain consistency by using the same type of finial on all poles.
- Flag Spreaders: flag spreaders allow for increased visibility of the flag but are not required to display the Canadian flag.
- Fringe: Also known as a Ceremonial Dress Flag, the addition of fringe is decorative and not required. Fringed flags are never to be flown on an outdoor flagpole and are typically used for military purposes, parades or government offices. For consistent appearance, all flags within a group should either have fringe or be fringeless.
- Auditorium setting: The Canadian flag should be placed to the left of the speaker when on a pole, or if placed on a wall should be above and behind the speaker
Draping a Casket with a Canadian Flag:
- All Canadians can have the option to have their casket draped with a Canadian Flag
- The size of flag for an adult casket would be a 135 cm x 270 cm or 54″x108″
- The flag should be removed from the casket prior to lowering the casket or cremation
- The top of the leaf should point to the right when observed from the foot of the casket
- If flowers or wreaths are used, they should be placed at the foot of the casket
- A flag that has been used as a drape for a casket should never be flown
Half-Masting a Canadian Flag:
- Half-mast refers to the lowering of a flag to a position approximately halfway down the flagpole.
- Lowering a Canadian flag to half-mast is a sign of respect during a period of mourning shared by all Canadian citizens
- Raise the flag to full height first, then lower it to half-mast. At the end of the day, return it to full height before lowering it completely.
- For more detailed etiquette on half-masting the Canadian flag visit the Government of Canada’s website
Prohibited use:
-
- Covering objects (boxes, podiums, statues)
- Using the flag as curtains or table covers.
- Sign, mark, or pin anything to the flag
- Wearing the flag as a cape
- Allowing it to touch the ground
- Dip or lower it to salute anyone or anything
- Flying a discolored, or tattered Canadian flag
- Flying it upside down (except in distress)
- Burn, step on, or otherwise desecrate the flag