HEY CANADA: LET’S ALL WAVE THE FLAG TODAY

It’s time for Canadians to show the world who we are and what we stand for. And there is no better day than today – Sat., Feb.15, 2025 — to celebrate our nation on National Flag of Canada Day 2025.

Today, 60 years ago (Feb. 15, 1965), Canada’s flag – the iconic red and white maple leaf — was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill.

Over the years, our flag has become a symbol of national pride, reflecting the common values that Canadians share.

When former Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien declared National Flag of Canada Day on Feb. 15, 1996, he wrote that: “Although simple in design, Canada’s flag well reflects the common values we hold so dear: freedom, peace, respect, justice and tolerance.”
And he added in his declaration of the special day: “Let us be proud of our flag. Let us recognize how privileged we are to live in Canada, this magnificent country that encompasses our history, our hopes, our future.”

Today it is the symbol we look to for strength and the certainty that whatever comes, Canadians will come through it together.

In a statement to mark the occasion in 2025, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pascale St-Onge said: “This year, more than ever, not only do we have to celebrate our flag but also remind ourselves what it represents: our values, our resilience and our sovereignty.”

Minister St-Onge observed that: “In the last week, public displays of national pride have become more prominent following external economic pressures. The growing sense of unity and national identity is an occasion to engage Canadians to mark the flag’s anniversary.”

Celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of Canada’s flag begin today — Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 – and this year’s theme is “Celebrate our love for the Canadian Flag.”

Canadians from coast to coast to coast are encouraged to participate by:

• Raising your flag wherever you are to mark this special day.
• Showing your pride and share your photos on social media using #CanadianFlag and @CdnHeritage.
• Choose Canada by cheering on Team Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game on Feb. 15 at the Bell Centre in Montréal or join the excitement from home, with friends and family.
• Look out for illuminations near you, as iconic sites across Canada will be lit up in our flag’s colours on the evenings of Feb. 15 and Feb. 16.
• Visit the Canadian Heritage website to learn more about the flag and its history, and discover fun activities for the whole family.

“Together, let’s choose Canada and celebrate our love for the Canadian flag by flying it proudly from coast to coast to coast and making this a celebration to remember,” Minister St-Onge concluded.