The Maple Leaf: Here may it wave

For Lester B. Pearson, however, introducing a flag free of colonial symbols was important in bringing about a new vision of Canada. He had seen his peacekeeping plans and neutrality questioned during the Suez Canal Crisis because of the presence of the Union Jack on Canada’s flag. As long as Canada’s symbols were closely associated with Britain, Canada’s foreign policy and autonomy were undermined. Bringing in a new flag untethered by imperialism became one of Pearson’s goals, first as Liberal Leader and then as Prime Minister. British emblems also reinforced the division of the country, between the dominant English culture and the French-Canadian, First Nations and immigrant minorities. If Canada was to become a truly united nation, Pearson believed it would need a single, indivisible symbol on its flag. The maple leaf, with its history as an emblem of Canada, and its unique, unmistakable form, seemed ideal. Although Pearson originally supported a design with three leaves and blue stripes, he was quick to support the red and white, single leaf flag when the Conservatives on the flag committee grudgingly agreed to it. With the country’s official colours and a unique central symbol, it stood out, distinct from all other countries. The new flag was what Pearson wanted: an image to represent the changing identity of Canada.