While I was looking at the proposals of the first iteration of the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commissions published in part I of the Canada Gazette in 1965, an unusual splash of colour amidst the drab black and white pages caught my eye. The Gazette records the proclamation of the Maple Leaf on 28 January 1965 and published it on 13 February 1965. The Maple Leaf then first flew two days later on 15 February 1965.

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien then designed 15 February 1996 as Canada’s first National Flag of Canada Day, though some of us remember that day more as when Chrétien introduced Canada to the famous Shawinigan Handshake.  I could not find any Order-in-Council by which cabinet advised the Governor General to proclaim 15 February National Flag of Canada Day, nor any proclamation in the Canada Gazette, so I know not by what authority Chrétien issued his declaration.

• Declaration of Canada’s National Flag Day