Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on National Flag Day

February 15, 2015

MISSISSAUGA, ON – The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Flag Day:

“Today, Canadians across the country and around the world will celebrate the 50th anniversary of our national flag.

“Envisioned in 1964 by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, our distinctive maple leaf flag was designed to reflect a new, modern Canada – continually looking to its future, but respectful of its past.

“More than 80 years prior, not long after our country was born, Sir Wilfrid Laurier stood on the Plains of Abraham, where English and French had fought an old battle for a new colony, and saw a new kind of nation founded on the principles of equality and respect.

“It is that vision – which recognizes Canada is strong not in spite of its differences, but precisely because of them – that has made us a country with two official languages. It has pushed us to establish our shared institutions, and our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It is that vision, shared by Canadians – English and French, Aboriginal, and from every culture and corner of the world – that led to the creation of our maple leaf flag.

“There is no doubt that our flag has a significant and special meaning to each and every Canadian. To me, it means fairness, generosity, honesty, the hard work that we do in our communities, and the hope that I have for Canada. But to all of us, it is a symbol of our open hearts and open minds, of our diversity and our values. It is the true reflection of who we are, wherever we are.

“May the maple leaf fly forever, and may we all find a home beneath it.”