Dignity of the National Flag of Canada

The National Flag of Canada should be displayed only in a manner befitting this important national symbol. It does not matter if the flag is made out of cloth, paper or another fabric or material. In all cases, the National Flag should never:

• Be used as a decoration or draping, table/seat cover, curtain or divider or as a barrier on a stage or platform;
• Be used as a masking for boxes, to drape a platform, or to cover a speaker’s podium or a statue, monument or plaque for an unveiling ceremony;
• Be signed or marked in any way. A border may be attached to the outside edge of the flag where it is acceptable to have signatures while leaving the flag unmarked;
• Be used as wearing apparel or worn as a cape;
• Touch the ground;
• Be dipped or lowered to the ground as a means of paying a salute or compliment to any person or thing;
• Be flown in a discoloured or tattered condition, be burned in effigy, be stepped on or be flown upside down (except as a signal of distress in instances of extreme danger to life); or
• Have anything pinned or sewn on it.

As a sign of respect when the National Flag is raised or lowered, or when it is carried past in a parade or review, everyone should face the flag and remain silent, those in uniform must salute, and those who wish to remove their hats may do so.