(OTTAWA) February 15, 2016 – Today, Elizabeth May joins all Canadians in celebrating the anniversary of our national flag:
“Fifty-one years ago, Lester B. Pearson first raised our flag over Parliament Hill. Our flag, free from political affiliation or colonial remnants, is a symbol of Canada from coast to coast to coast. It represents a rich heritage influenced by English, French, and Indigenous traditions, as well as many other cultures from around the world.”
“Few countries around the world have a national symbol taken from the natural environment on their flags. The cedar of Lebanon, the rising sun of Japan, and our maple leaf are among those. Our flag, with its single maple leaf, represents our intimate connection to the land and our environment.
“Our natural environment is the inspiration for our great writers and artists from Margaret Atwood to the Group of Seven. The environment sustains our economy and is essential for life itself. Our flag reminds us of the sacrifices of generations for freedom and peace for all Canadians. Happy birthday to our Maple Leaf!”