The flag and national symbols

Canada, historically the Dominion of Canada, is the northernmost country in North America. It is a decentralized federation of 10 provinces and 3 territories, governed as a constitutional monarchy and formed in 1867 through the Act of Confederation. The official ceremony inaugurating the new Canadian flag was held in Ottawa on February 15, 1965 with the Governor General, the Prime Minister, Cabinet members and thousands of Canadians in attendance. The Canadian Red Ensign, bearing the Union Jack and the shield of the royal arms of Canada, used since 1867, was lowered for the last time on that date and the maple leaf flag was raised.

Although the simple, precise image of a maple leaf was used for the flag, the Beaver was adopted as the national symbol on March 24, 1975. The “quest for religious and political freedom” is often given in American text-books as the reason of European colonization in North America, but it is far more likely that the commercial value of natural resources was the prime reason. In Canada these resources included whales, vast schools of cod and especially tall pines used for ship masts. After the early European explorers had realized that Canada was part of North America and not the Orient, rich in spices, the main attraction for merchants and traders was the uniquely large beaver population, then numbering in the millions. In the late 1600-s and early 1700-s, the fashion of the day across Europe was for Top Hats, which were covered by beaver pelts. As these hats became more popular, the demand for the pelts grew. The beaver was soon the principal reason for the growth and development of Canada and was regarded from the outset as symbolic of Canada. The first North American coat of arms to depict a beaver was created by Sir William Alexander, who was granted title in 1621 to the area now known as Nova Scotia.

King Henry IV of France saw the fur trade as an opportunity to acquire much-needed revenue and to establish a North American empire. Both English and French fur traders were soon selling beaver pelts in Europe at 20 times their original purchase price. The beaver was close to extinction by the mid-19-th century. There were an estimated six million beavers in Canada before the start of the fur trade. During its peak 100000 pelts were being shipped to Europe each year. The Canadian beaver was in danger of being wiped out. Luckily about that time Europeans took a liking to silk-covered top hats and he demand for beaver pelts all but disappeared. The British Empire continually reinforced its presence by use of the Union Flag and images of Royalty, initially those of Queen Victoria, who ruled 1839-1902. When Canada issued its postage stamp in 1851, depicted below the Queen`s “VR” (Victoria Regina) insignia was a beaver.

On March 24, 1975, the beaver received the highest honour ever bestowed on a rodent. On that day it became an official emblem of Canada when an “act to provide for the recognition of the beaver as a symbol of the sovereignty of Canada” received Royal assent.