Sunday, February 15, 2026, is National Flag of Canada Day.
National Flag of Canada Day is observed annually to commemorate the inauguration of Canada’s flag, and its iconic red and white bands and maple leaf, as the official flag of Canada on Feb. 15,1965.
The day is marked by flying the flag as well as public ceremonies and educational programs in schools.
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy and District 6 Coun. Scott Lockhart came together at the Upper Nappan Service Centre on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, to sign a proclamation declaring Feb. 15 as National Flag of Canada Day.
“National Flag of Canada Day is a moment to pause and reflect on who we are as a country and what we stand for. The maple leaf is more than a symbol on a flagpole—it represents Canada’s shared values of democracy, respect, inclusion and peaceful cooperation,” Mayor Gilroy said. “Since its adoption in 1965, the flag has come to symbolize an independent nation with its own voice, history, and identity on the world stage.”
District 6 Coun. Scott Lockhart (left) and Mayor Rod Gilroy stand by the Canadian flag as the Municipality of Cumberland marks National Flag of Canada Day on Sunday, Feb. 15 – the 61st anniversary of the adoption of the Maple Leaf as the official flag of Canada. Darrell Cole – Municipality of Cumberland
The mayor said the significance feels especially strong whenever Canadians are reminded—directly or indirectly—of external pressures or rhetoric that challenges their sovereignty.
“Canada is a nation that has built its own institutions and developed a distinct culture and system of governance,” the mayor said. “National Flag of Canada Day is about confidence in our independence, our ability to make decisions in our own best interest and our commitment to values such as universal health care, multiculturalism, reconciliation and social responsibility.”
The mayor said flying the flag on this day is a “quiet but powerful statement” that Canadians value their sovereignty, appreciate the freedoms they enjoy and are proud of a country that strives to lead with fairness and compassion.
Before the adoption of the Maple Leaf flag, Canada had used variations of the Canadian Red Ensign as its flag.
As Canada moved towards greater national identity and autonomy, after the Second World War, there was a growing desire for a distinctive flag that represented the country’s unique values and people.
Mayor Rod Gilroy signs a proclamation declaring Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, as National Flag of Canada Day within the Municipality of Cumberland while District 6 Coun. Scott Lockhart looks on. Darrell Cole – Municipality of Cumberland photo
In response to this call, a design competition was launched, and the chosen flag design features a stylized red maple leaf in its center, flanked by two vertical red bands.
The flag’s red and white colors were also chosen for their historical significance. Red symbolizes Canada’s connection to the British Empire and white symbolizes peace.
National Flag of Canada Day was instituted in 1996.
