Parliament Hill flags
On February 15, 1965, our national flag was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill. Five flags fly on the Hill: one over the Peace Tower, one on each side of the Centre Block, one over the West Block and one over the East Block.
On this page
The flag master
Every weekday, the designated flag master changes the Peace Tower flag, except on statutory holidays and during poor weather conditions. The flag is also changed for half-masting. The other Parliament Hill flags are changed weekly and on days that they are at half-mast.
To replace the Peace Tower flag, the flag master folds and places a new flag in a satchel, takes the elevator to the observation deck, and climbs 33 metres of stairs and ladders. Once at the top, the flag master lowers the flying flag and raises the new one on the 10.7-metre flagpole. Throughout the 20 to 30 minute process, the flag is never to touch the ground.
Meet the flag master
Requesting a Parliament Hill flag
As a courtesy, we donate flags that have flown on Parliament Hill to Canadian residents. Due to high demand, we can donate only one flag per person or household.
If you would like to be added to the waiting list for a flag, complete the Request a flag online form below or provide us with the requested information by mail, email or fax.
If you are already on the waiting list to receive a flag but you have moved, please complete the Update your mailing address online form below. You can also provide us with the requested information by mail, email or fax.
Before submitting your personal information, please read our privacy notice statement.
Flag specifications and waiting periods
| Flag type | Approximate size | Minimum pole height requirement | Approximate waiting period
(as of June 15, 2017) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Tower flag | 2.3 m x 4.6 m
(7.5 ft x 15 ft) |
13.7 m to 15.2 m
(45 ft to 50 ft) |
73 years |
| Other Parliament Hill flags | 1.35 m x 2.7 m
(4.5 ft x 9 ft) |
9.1 m to 10.7 m
(30 ft to 35 ft) |
60 years |
Request a flag online
Other ways to request a flag
If you prefer to mail, email or fax your request, please provide all of the following information:
- your first and last name
- your mailing address, including street address, city, province or territory and postal code
- your telephone number with area code
- your email address
- your choice of flag
- Consult the flag specifications and waiting periods
- Mailing address:
- Office of the Minister
Public Services and Procurement Canada
Portage III 18A1
11 Laurier St
Gatineau QC K1A 0S5 - Email:
- TPSGC.Demandesdrapeaux-Flagrequests.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca
- Fax:
- 819‑953‑1908
Update your mailing address online
Other ways to update your mailing address
If you prefer to mail, email or fax your new mailing address, please provide all of the following information:
- your first and last name
- your reference number, if available
- this is the number we provided you when you first requested a flag
- your old mailing address, including street address (with apartment, suite or unit number, if applicable), city, province or territory and postal code
- the old address must match the address you provided when you first requested a flag
- your new mailing address, including street address, city, province or territory and postal code
- Mailing address:
- Office of the Minister
Public Services and Procurement Canada
Portage III 18A1
11 Laurier St
Gatineau QC K1A 0S5 - Email:
- TPSGC.Demandesdrapeaux-Flagrequests.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca
- Fax:
- 819‑953‑1908
Privacy notice statement
Provision of the information is on a voluntary basis. We will use the information for the purpose of responding to your questions/comments, and to improve our Internet presence. The information will be held in Public Works and Government Services Canada's Personal Information Bank number PPU 115 Internet and PPE 830 Intranet Services, and it will be retained according to the retention and disposal schedule established for this bank.
Your personal information is protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act. Under the Act, you have the right to request access to and correction of your personal information, if erroneous or incomplete. If you wish to avail yourself of this right or require clarification about this Statement, contact our Privacy Coordinator at AIPRP.ATIP@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca. For more information on privacy issues and the Privacy Act consult the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
For more information about your rights, visit Info Source. This is a Government of Canada publication available in major libraries, at government information offices and from constituency offices of federal Members of Parliament.
The Internet is a public forum and electronic information can be intercepted. This is not a secure website. Please do not disclose unnecessary confidential information about yourself or your accounts with Public Works and Government Services Canada.
More information
- View our National Flag of Canada Day infographic
- Discover the National Flag of Canada
- Celebrate National Flag of Canada Day