MAY 21, 2015: 5OTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE / ONTARIO

HISTORY

The Canadian flag was introduced on February 15, 1965. In March of that year, Premier John Robarts introduced a bill to create a flag for Ontario that was distinct from our .

The Ontario flag was first flown on May 21st 1965 at Queen’s Park. In his remarks in the Ontario Legislature, Premier Robarts expressed “all and all banners symbolize the hopes and the ideals of a people, as well as the past from which they have sprung” He went on to say “[the flag] also typifies new horizons to those who have come to a new land and who are the beneficiaries of the privileges and the freedoms which were promised.”[1]

SYMBOLISM

Ontario's flag closely resembles the Canadian Red , the flag of prior to 1965. The Royal Union Flag occupies the upper near the staff, representing Ontario’s roots as a part of the [3], while the shield of arms of Ontario is centred in the fly half of the flag. Ontario was granted its by Queen Victoria in 1868. The red Cross of St. George, symbolic of , appears in the upper third of the shield. The lower portion of the shield features three golden leaves, emblematic of Canada, on a green background. [2]

BILL 101: ACT TO PROCLAIM ONTARIO FLAG DAY, 2015

On May 13, 2015, Yvan Baker, the Member of Provincial Parliament for Etobicoke Centre introduced Bill 101 in the Ontario Legislature: An Act to Proclaim Ontario Flag Day, 2015. This legislation, if passed, would allow us to officially mark the 50th anniversary of the raising of our flag and proclaim that May 21st in each year be recognized as Ontario Flag Day. This legislation seeks, through our flag, to celebrate all Ontario citizens and their countless contributions while honoring our history, heritage, values and shared successes. [4]

FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Yvan Baker, MPP for Etobicoke Centre: [email protected] or 416-234-2800

1 Legislative Assembly of Ontario. "27th Parliament." Official Report of Debates (Hansard), March 9, 1965, pg. 1087. 2 "Ontario - Anthems and Symbols - ." Canadian Heritage; Communications; . October 13, 2013. Accessed May 20, 2015. http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1363203445747#a5 3 "Ontario's Symbols." Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Accessed May 20, 2015. http://educationportal.ontla.on.ca/en/about-parliament/ontario-facts/ontario-s- symbols 4 Legislative Assembly of Ontario. "41st Parliament." Official Report of Debates (Hansard), May 13, 2015, pg. 4378.