Official
Proclamation and Edict to all American Courts from the Queen Mother
of the Americas, Empress Nicole the Great
Given
on July 8, 2007
Official
Canadian Flag and National Anthem Protocol:
Introduction
Flags are symbols that identify people
belonging to a group. The National Flag of Canada and the flags of
the provinces and territories are symbols of honour and pride for
all Canadians. They should be treated with respect.
The manner in which flags may be displayed in Canada is not governed
by any legislation but by established practice. The etiquette outlined
in this brochure is an adaptation of international usage and of customs
the federal government has been observing for many years.
The rules applied by the federal government are in no way mandatory
for individuals or organizations; they may serve as guidelines for
all persons who wish to display the Canadian Flag and other flags
in Canada.
The National Flag of Canada should be displayed only in a manner befitting
this important national symbol; it should not be subjected to indignity
or displayed in a position inferior to any other flag or ensign. The
National Flag always takes precedence over all other national flags
when flown in Canada
When the National Flag of Canada is raised or lowered, or when it
is carried past in a parade or review, all present should face the
flag, men should remove their hats, and all should remain silent.
Those in uniform should salute.
Displaying the Flag
The National Flag of Canada may be displayed as follows:
- Flat against a surface, horizontally and vertically
- If hung horizontally, the upper part of the leaf should be up and
the stem down. If hung vertically, the flag should be placed so that
the upper part of the leaf points to the left and the stem to the
right from the point of view of the observer facing the flag. Flags
hung vertically should be hung so that the canton is in the upper
left corner (Figure 4).
Sharing
the same base - Three flags
When only three flags are displayed, the National Flag should be at
the centre. To an observer facing the display, the second-ranking
flag (in order of precedence) is placed to the left of centre, and
the other to the right
Position of honour
Due consideration should be given to flag etiquette and precedence
whenever the National Flag of Canada or other sovereign national flags
or provincial/territorial flags are displayed.
The location of the position of honour depends on the number of flags
flown and the chosen configuration. When two flags (or more than three
flags) are displayed, the position of honour is furthest to the left
(to an observer facing the display). When three flags are flown, the
position of honour is in the center (see "Sharing the same base
- Three flags")
Precedence
The order of precedence for flags is:
The National Flag of Canada*
The flags of other sovereign nations in alphabetical order (if applicable)**
The flags of the provinces of Canada (in the order in which they joined
Confederation)
The flags of the territories of Canada (in the order in which they
joined Confederation)
The flags of municipalities/cities
Banners of organizations
When the National Flag of Canada is displayed in a place of worship
or on a speaker's platform, it should be against the wall, or on a
flagpole on the left from the point of view of the congregation audience
facing the celebrant or speaker (Figure 9).
With flags of other sovereign nations*
The National Flag of Canada, when flown or paraded, takes precedence
over all other national flags. When flown with the flags of other
sovereign nations, all flags should be flown on separate flagpoles/masts
and at the same height, all being of the same size, with the National
Flag of Canada occupying the position of honour.
*The flag configurations shown in figures 11 to 16 also apply when
the National Flag of Canada is flown with one or more provincial/territorial
flag.
The National Flag should be raised first and lowered last, unless
the number of flags permits their being raised and lowered simultaneously.
With the flag of one other nation, the National Flag of Canada should
be on the left of the observer facing the flags; both should be at
the same height (Figure 11).
When crossed with a flag of another sovereign nation, the National
Flag of Canada should be on the left of the observer facing the flags;
the flagpole bearing the National Flag of Canada should be in front
of the pole of the other flag (Figure 12).
In a line of three flags, the National Flag of Canada should be in
the centre. The other two flags should, in alphabetical order, be
placed to the left and right of the National Flag respectively, from
the point of view of the observer facing the three flagpoles/masts
(Figure 13).
When there are more than three flagpoles/masts, the National Flag
of Canada should be flown on the left of the observer facing the flags,
followed by the flags representing the other sovereign nations ordered
alphabetically. An additional National Flag of Canada may also be
flown on the right at the end of the line (Figure 14).
With a combination of flags of sovereign nations, provinces/territories,
international organizations, cities, companies, etc.
In
keeping with previously outlined practice, the National Flag of Canada,
when flown with different types of flags, should be flown on the left
of an observer facing the flags. The position of the other flags is
determined by order of precedence (Figure 17).
Carried in a procession
If carried with other flags, in a single file, the National Flag of
Canada should always lead (Figure 19).
If carried in line abreast, it is preferable to have the National
Flag of Canada at each end of the line (Figure 20).
If only one National Flag of Canada is available, it should be placed
in the centre of the line of flags carried abreast (Figure 21).
When the number of flags is even and the National Flag of Canada cannot
be carried in the centre (of a line of flags abreast), it should be
carried on the right-hand end of the line facing the direction of
movement. (Figure 22)
Note: It is suggested that the pole or pike used to carry flags be
7 or 8 feet/ 2.10 to 2.40m in length
Dipping a carried flag means lowering it from a vertical position
to one which is, variously 45 degrees from the horizontal, or, even
further, touching the ground.
The national flag, when carried, is never dipped or lowered to the
ground
Playing of anthems at events
There is no specific rule as to when it is appropriate to sing the
national anthem at an event. It is up to the organizers to determine
if "O Canada" will be sung at the beginning or at the end
of a ceremony. If two anthems are to be played at the beginning of
an event, "O Canada" should be played first followed by
the other one. When anthems are played at the end of an event, "O
Canada" should be played last.
Etiquette during the playing of the national anthem
As a matter of respect and tradition, it is proper to stand for the
playing of "O Canada" as well as for the anthem of any other
nation.
It is traditional for civilian men to take off their hats during the
playing of the national anthem. Women as well as children do not remove
their hats on such occasions.
There is no law or behaviour governing the playing of the national
anthem; it is left to the good citizenship of individuals
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