The Red Ensign was long used by Canada as its national flag until the middle of the 1960s. The government then decided to change it together with the national anthem in anticipation of the upcoming centennial celebration. O Canada together with the flag you see today were created after much deliberation and on top of other proposed flags at the time.
There were also people who did not approve of the change. These were mainly composed of those who were still very loyal to the British Empire. They were known as the United Empire Loyalists who were vigilant in keeping the old design, specifically the Union Jack.
Many new styles and elements were suggested for the new flag. There were designs that featured one to three red maple leaves and the white background. For many years, the red leaf and white background were staple elements of the Canadian flag. King George V was even the one who appointed the colors to become the official tones of Canada in 1921. Since 1904, Canadian athletes wore these elements when contending in the Olympics.
There were also designs that included blue borders on each side to stand for the Atlantic and Pacific coasts that surrounded the country. Lester B. Pearson was particularly fond of the design, giving the banner its other name “Pearson’s Pennant”. The simpler design featured today was the final one chosen.
Dr. George Stanley of the Royal Military College, Ontario is the official designer of the single red leaf flag you see today. On February 15, 1965, the flag was announced Canada’s world flag.