Good afternoon, Members. Before we begin, Members will notice we have hung the large Canadian flag in the Chamber today. This display is usually reserved for Canada Day, however today is both National Flag Day, as well as the 40th anniversary of the Canadian flag.
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The search for the Canadian flag started as early as 1925 but never really got off the ground until 1964 when, out of 2,600 submitted designs, a specially struck Senate and House of Commons committee was left with three possible designs, including a red flag with a single, stylized red maple leaf on a white square with red bars. After much deliberation, the committee eventually decided to recommend the single leaf design submitted by Dr. George Stanley, dean of arts, at the Royal Military College in Kingston. It was approved by resolution of the House of Commons on December 17, 1964, and proclaimed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of Canada, to take effect on February 15, 1965.
I recently heard that the original Canadian flag that flew on the Peace Tower in Ottawa was relocated after having been lost to close to four years. I don't think we will have any difficulty finding this flag that is hanging behind us today any time soon. It's safe to say that this was not the original flag that flew on the Peace Tower.
Please join me in celebrating National Flag Day and this historic 40th anniversary of the Canadian flag.
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Members, before we begin, I would like to draw your attention to the Speaker's Gallery and the presence of former Member and former Speaker of this House, Mr. Tony Whitford.
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Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.