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Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster (1931) In accordance with the rules for flying the Canadian flag and other flags in Canada, where physical arrangements make it possible, the Royal Union Flag (known as the Union Jack) will be flown from sunrise to sunset on Government of Canada buildings and establishments across the country on Friday, December 11, 2014, to mark the anniversary of the Statute of Westminster. Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster in Canada The Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster is observed in Canada on December 11 each year to mark the statute's establishment. The Canadian flag and the Royal Union flag are flown together on this day. Both the Canadian flag and the Royal Union flag are flown together on the Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster.©iStockphoto.com/philpell Flags Up from Sunrise to Sunset Businesses, individuals and government offices across Canada observe the Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster on this day. Canada's national flag and the Royal Union Flag, also known as the Union Jack, are flown from sunrise to sunset. The flags can be seen at federal buildings, airports, military bases and other government establishments. About the Day The original Royal Union flag, or Union Jack, was first raised at a British settlement in Newfoundland, Canada, after 1610. In 1870 the flag was incorporated into the flags of the Governor General and the Lieutenant Governors of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In 1904 the flag became a Canadian symbol and was used by Canadian troops during World War I. However, for many years during the early 20th century Canada sought to gain formal recognition of its autonomy from the United Kingdom. Finally, in 1931 the Statute of Westminster, 1931, which was an Act of the British Parliament, gave Canada its autonomy. This statute marks the independence of Canada as the nation that it is today. In 1964 Canada's parliament approved for the Royal Union flag to be used as a symbol of Canada’s membership in the Commonwealth of Nations and of the nation's allegiance to the Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster (1931) British Crown. Canada remains close with the United Kingdom and flies the Royal Union Flag along with the Canadian flag for occasions such as the Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster, Commonwealth Day, and Victoria Day. Symbols The Royal Union Flag, which is seen on the arms of British Columbia and on the flags of Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia, incorporates the diagonal cross of St Patrick with England's St George's cross and Scotland's St Andrew's cross. The Canadian flag is red and white, the official colors of Canada, with a stylized 11-point red leaf in its center. When flown together, there must be at least two flag poles and the Canadian flag takes precedence, never being replaced by the Union Jack. -30- For contact information: JoAnne Holden Manager of External Relations [email protected] 902. 368.4316 December 10, 2015 .

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