Original Canadian Flag Presented to Minister of Canadian Heritage

February 15, 2000
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today attended a ceremony at which Paul DeVillers, Chair of the National Liberal Caucus, presented the original Maple Leaf flag to Canadian Heritage Minister Sheila Copps. 

“I was proud to be a part of the government of Lester Pearson, which created this unique and unifying symbol of our Canadian identity,” said the Prime Minister. “And I am delighted today, the first Flag Day of the new century, to know that this cherished icon of our national heritage will now be available for all Canadians to view and admire.” 

The first Maple Leaf flag was raised on Parliament Hill on February 15, 1965 by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson. Mr. Pearson presented the original flag to the National Liberal Caucus. And the Caucus has decided to use the occasion of Flag Day 2000 to return it to the Government of Canada.