Flag Etiquette

 The Canada flag was approved by Parliament and proclaimed by Her Majesty the Queen on February 15, 1965. It is described as a red flag with the proportions of two by length and one by width, containing a white square in the centre the width of the flag bearing a single red maple leaf.

General Flag Etiquette
1. It is appropriate for the Canadian flag to be flown or displayed by individuals and organizations, but at all times the flag should be treated with dignity and respect and flown or displayed properly.
2. When possible the flag is flown daily from sunrise to sunset at all federal government buildings, airports, and military bases. It is not contrary to etiquette to have the flag flying at night.
3. The flag may be displayed flat or flown on a staff. If flat, it may be hung horizontally or vertically. If it hangs vertically against a wall, the flag should be placed so that the upper part of the leaf is to the left as seen by spectators.
4. The flag may be flown or displayed in a church, auditorium, or other meeting place. When used in the chancel of a church or on a speaker’s platform, the flag should be flown to the right of the speaker. When used in the body of a church or auditorium, the flag should be flown to the right of the audience. The flag should not be used to cover a speaker’s platform, draped in front of the platform, nor should it be allowed to touch the floor. If displayed flat against the wall at the back of a platform, the flag should be above and behind the speaker.
5. When used on the occasion of unveiling a monument, tablet, picture, etc, the flag should be properly draped and prevented from falling to the ground or floor.
6. In a procession, where several flags are carried, the Canadian flag should be in a position of honour at the marching right, or the centre front.
7. The flag should not be used for commercial advertising purposes. It is quite appropriate to fly it at business establishments or to display it to identify Canadian exhibits at fairs. Its use in such cases, as in all others, should reflectrespect for the flag.

When Flown with Other Flags
8. No flag, banner or pennant should be flown or displayed above the Canadian flag.
9. Flags flown together should be approximately the same size and flown from separate staffs at the same height.
10. The Canadian flag should be given the place of honour when flown or displayed with other flags.

i. When two or more than three flags are flown together, the Canadian flag should be on the left as seen by spectators in front of the flags. If a number of countries are represented, the Canadian flag may be flown at each end of a line of flags.
ii. When three flags are flown together, the Canadian flag should occupy the central position, with the next ranking flag to the left and the third ranking flag to the right, as seen by spectators in front of the flags.
iii. Where more than one flag is flown and it is impossible to hoist or lower at the same time, the Canadian flag(s) should be hoisted first and lowered last.

Destruction of the Canadian Flag
11. When a flag becomes worn, noticeably faded, or otherwise unfit for service, it should be disposed of privately by burning.

Half-Masting the Canadian Flag
12. The position of the flag when flying at half-mast will depend on its size, the length of the flagstaff and its location. As a general rule, the centre of the flag should be halfway down the staff. When hoisted or lowered from a half-mast position, a flag should first be raised to the masthead.
13. "Death" for these purposes may be taken to include the day of death and up to and including the day of the funeral.
14. On Remembrance Day, November 11th, the flag is flown at half-mast at 11:00am on the Peach Tower of the Parliament Buildings.