Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. There was a raging debate over the proposed flag design rather than the idea of adopting a flag. Some 250 speeches were given in the House of Commons on this topic, and after the suggestion of closure, a vote was taken on December 15, 1964 at 2:00 am in the morning to adopt the current design. It was accepted by a vote of 163 to 78 opposed, and it was proclaimed into force on February 15, 1965. That was 30 years ago today, Mr. Speaker.

So when you see the Canadian flag -- more than just flapping today because of the breeze -- on February 15th, I would ask you to take a minute to reflect on what our symbol means to you and maybe we can quietly wish it happy birthday.

---Applause