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Province of Ontario, 1965

Province of OntarioProvince of Ontario

Today's Flag

is the provincial flag of Ontario that was adopted and first raised on 21 May 1965 by Premier John Robarts' government, to preserve the heritage of the Canadian Red Ensign that many Ontarians had fought and perished under in two world wars and that had just been replaced by the Parliament of Canada.  It is a red ensign defaced with the shield of Ontario that was first granted by Royal Warrant of Queen Victoria on 26 May 1868.  The maple leaves have long been a symbol of Canada, and represent both French and English from the original 1763 Province of Quebec and its successor, the Province of Canada.  See the maple leaves on the Quebec coat of arms here.  The green and gold are the official colours added to the arms along with supporters and a crest by Royal Warrant of King Edward VII in 1909 and represent the wealth of natural resources of Ontario.  The cross of St-George is symbolic of England and the Crown, and is specifically a reference to King George III under whom British North America was originally created. While some criticize the presence of "colonial" symbols on the flag, it still appropriately represents - and reminds us of - the origins of our province.  The alliances forged with First Nations to enable military victory against encroaching powers, and to permit peaceful coexistence of Nations and settlement were made under the Royal Union flag.  Thousands of United Empire Loyalists and members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy underwent great hardship to come here to remain loyal to the Crown and maintain a way of life that has since attracted many to live under the Westminster-style government and the freedoms and benefits that we enjoy to this day.   

Ontario Flag Day

Ontario Flag Day is celebrated every year on 21 May.  The preamble to the Act to Proclaim Ontario Flag Day reads:

"Ontario has a rich history and diverse heritage.

From the early Aboriginal peoples who first called this land home, to Anglophone and Francophone settlers like Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain, to the millions of immigrants who continue to arrive on our shores from around the world, Ontario is one of the most diverse places in the world.

Ontario has been built through the hard work of generations of people, through their commitment to values such as mutual respect and acceptance and their enduring belief in and support for freedom, democracy and human rights.

Ontarians from across our province have made and continue to make great contributions to the economic, social, political and cultural life of our province, our country and the world.

First recognized on May 21st, 1965, the Ontario flag symbolizes each of these contributions as well as our rich history, diverse heritage, distinct values and shared successes. The Ontario flag represents all those who call Ontario home.

Paying tribute to the Ontario flag allows us to celebrate all Ontario citizens and their countless contributions while honouring our history, heritage, values and successes."

 

 

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