The Canadian Flag: History and Meaning
The Canadian flag explained for the citizenship test: the maple leaf, the official colours, and the date it was first raised, February 15, 1965.
The Canadian flag has a single red maple leaf on a white square, framed by two red bands. It was first raised on February 15, 1965. For the citizenship test, remember this design, the year 1965, and the country's official colours.
What the flag looks like
The flag is simple and easy to recognize. A red band sits on each edge, a white square stands in the centre, and a red maple leaf rests inside that white square. This clear shape helps many candidates memorize the flag on the first try.
Canada's official colours
Red and white are Canada's official colours. They are the only colours on the flag, and they appear again and again in the country's symbols. A test question may simply ask you to name these two colours.
The maple leaf, a symbol of the country
The red maple leaf has long been a symbol of Canada, well before the 1965 flag. It appears in other national symbols of Canada, which is why it holds the central place on the flag. Today it is the country's most recognized image.
What to remember for the test
Flag questions focus mainly on the date, the design, and the colours. Here are the facts to lock in before the test.
- A red maple leaf on a white square
- Two red bands on the sides
- First raised: February 15, 1965
- Official colours: red and white
To place the flag among the other topics, see the guide Canada Explained. Then check your knowledge with our timed practice exams to spot what you still need to review.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Canadian flag first raised? The current Canadian flag was first raised on February 15, 1965.
What are Canada's official colours? Red and white are Canada's official colours, and they are the only colours on the flag.
What does the maple leaf on the flag represent? The red maple leaf has long been a symbol of Canada, and it sits in the white square at the centre of the flag.