Position of honour of the National Flag of Canada

Precedence

The order of precedence for flags is:

• The National Flag of Canada
• The flags of other sovereign nations in alphabetical order (if applicable)
• The flags of the provinces of Canada (in the order in which they joined Confederation)
• The flags of the territories of Canada (in the order in which they joined Confederation)
• The flags of municipalities/cities
• Banners of organizations
• Historical flags

It is important to note that the following flags take precedence over the National Flag on buildings where one of the dignitaries are in residence or where they are attending a function:

• Her Majesty’s Personal Canadian Flag;
• the standards of members of the Royal Family;
• the standard of the Governor General; and
• the standard of the Lieutenant Governor (in his or her province of jurisdiction and when assuming the duties of the representative of the Queen).

If someone would like to use the flags as a decoration, it is recommended that pennants or coloured buntings are used, and not flags.

When flown alone

When the National Flag of Canada is flown alone on top or in front of a building where there are two flagpoles, it should be flown on the flagpole to the left (to an observer facing the flag).

When the National Flag of Canada is flown alone on top or in front of a building where there are more than two flagpoles, it should be flown as near as possible to the centre.

When the National Flag of Canada is displayed in a place of worship or on a speaker’s platform, it should be against the wall, or on a flagpole on the left (from the point of view of the audience).

When used in the body of a place of worship or auditorium, the National Flag of Canada should be to the right of the congregation or spectators facing the Flag (Figure 3).

With flags of other sovereign nations

When flown or paraded, the National Flag of Canada takes priority over all other national flags. When flown with the flags of other sovereign nations, all flags should be flown on separate flagpoles/masts and at the same height, all being of the same size, with the National Flag of Canada in the position of honour. The National Flag should be raised first and lowered last, unless the number of flags permits their being raised and lowered at the same time.

There are exceptions when flying the Union Jack, and other foreign flags in Canada.

The flag configurations shown below also apply when the National Flag of Canada is flown with one or more flags of the provinces and territories.

Configurations

With the flag of one other nation, the National Flag of Canada should be on the left of the observer facing the flags; both should be at the same height.

When crossed with a flag of another sovereign nation, the National Flag of Canada should be on the left of the observer facing the flags; the flagpole bearing the National Flag of Canada should be in front of the pole of the other flag.

In a line of three flags, the National Flag of Canada should be in the centre. The other two flags should, in alphabetical order, be placed to the left and right of the National Flag respectively (from the point of view of the observer facing the three flagpoles/masts).

When there are more than three flagpoles/masts, the National Flag of Canada should be flown on the far left of the observer facing the flags, followed by the flags representing the other sovereign nations ordered alphabetically. An additional National Flag of Canada may also be flown on the right at the end of the line.

In a semi-circle of flags representing a number of sovereign nations, the National Flag of Canada should be in the centre.

In an enclosed circle of flags representing a number of sovereign nations, the National Flag of Canada should be flown on the flagpole/mast immediately opposite the main entrance to a building or arena.

A combination of flags of sovereign nations, provinces, territories and organizations

In keeping with previously outlined practice, the National Flag of Canada, when flown with different types of flags, should be flown on the left of an observer facing the flags. The position of the other flags is determined by order of precedence.

When displayed with a flag of another sovereign nation, a provincial/territorial flag, a company/association flag or club pennants on a flagpole fitted with a yardarm or a gaff, the National Flag of Canada is positioned as follows:

With flags of the Canadian provinces and territories

When provincial and territorial flags are flown with the National Flag of Canada, the order is based on the date of entry into Confederation of the provinces followed by the territories. In a grouping of flags that includes the National Flag of Canada and all of the flags of the provinces and territories, the order of precedence is:

• National Flag of Canada
• Ontario (1867)
• Quebec (1867)
• Nova Scotia (1867)
• New Brunswick (1867)
• Manitoba (1870)
• British Columbia (1871)
• Prince Edward Island (1873)
• Saskatchewan (1905)
• Alberta (1905)
• Newfoundland (1949)
• Northwest Territories (1870)
• Yukon (1898)
• Nunavut (1999)

When displays include more than three flagpoles/masts, the National Flag of Canada should be flown on the left of the observer facing the flags, followed by the flags of the provinces and territories. An additional National Flag of Canada may be displayed at the end of the line if desired. The following are examples of the order of the National Flag with the provinces and territories:

Displayed along a wall

Flags displayed along a wall start with the National Flag followed by the provinces in order of the date they entered Confederation, then followed by the territories, from left to right. Another National Flag may be placed at the end.

Displayed flanking an entrance

Flags displayed flanking an entrance start with the National Flag on the left, followed by the provinces in order of the date they entered Confederation, then followed by the territories. The order alternates sides, starting from the left, then right, then left and so on.

Displayed in a “V” shape

Flags displayed in a “V” shape start with the National Flag in the centre, followed by the provinces in order of the date they entered Confederation, then followed by the territories.

Carried in a procession

If carried with other flags, in a single file, the National Flag of Canada should always lead.

If carried side by side in a line, it is preferable to have the National Flag of Canada at each end of the line.

If only one National Flag of Canada is available, it should be placed in the centre of the line of flags carried side by side.

When the number of flags is even and the National Flag of Canada cannot be carried in the centre (side by side in a line), it should be carried on the right-hand end of the line facing the direction of movement.

Note: It is suggested that the pole or pike used to carry flags be 7 or 8 feet / 2.10 to 2.40 metres in length.