Maple Leaf Anniversary

Maple Leaf Anniversary

By Paul Bertrand

February 12, 2015

 

Our Canadian flag celebrates its 50^th birthday on February 15^th.

If there is any example of how people can be set in their ways and divided through the early stages of change, this story could be one of the best.

We may not know which individual deserves the credit in the creation, just like changes being implemented in your organization, odds are some will be wondering who did it 50 years from now.  Some say Dr. George Stanley, inspired by the commandant’s flag at Kingston’s Royal Military College and others say an MP from Brockville named John Ross Matheson.Nevertheless, we owe it to the committee and government at the time to persevere and introduce a unique country identity.

The story to be learnt is that although many were against it, just like many changes, getting through the storm is part of becoming a norm.   At the time the Globe and Mail wrote of the new flag in an editorial in December 1964: "Flags that have been torn in battle with a foreign enemy can still fly with pride. This will surely be the first flag in history that was shredded by its sons."
The Opposition leader had nothing good to say about it. Diefenbaker fought bitterly against Lester Pearson's plans to adopt a new flag, even losing a party member in the process. Leon Balcer from Trois-Rivières became an Independent over the flag. 
Even the Liberal MP Pierre Trudeau at the time, suggested much of Quebec was apathetic about the flag. "Quebec does not give a tinker's damn about the new flag," he said. "It's a matter of complete indifference."

Today our flag is something that represents a country that is viewed as one of the wealthiest in the world and it ranks high in international measurements of government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, economic freedom, and education.  Our flag, the once uncertainty of many, is something to be proud of. 
May the storm you are experiencing today, be the success of tomorrow.

 

Contact Canadian People Management to learn more on how you can be leading your industry, your organization, your team, to greater results. 

Paul Bertrand is the Founder of Canadian People Management Inc. which is based out of Pickering, Ontario. His company specializes in organizational effectiveness development through solutions tailored to strengthen his client’s cultures, leadership and teams.     www.cpeoplemi.com