Canadian Red Ensign

The Canadian Red Ensign was Canada’s unofficial national flag before the current red-and-white maple leaf flag was adopted in 1965. The flag features a British Union Jack in the upper-left corner, like other red ensigns used across the former British Empire, and Canada’s coat of arms on the right.

Given the Canadian Red Ensign’s past and present associations outside of non-hateful contexts, its appearance should always be carefully evaluated in context.

Variations of the red ensign exist as contemporary flags in Canada, including the flags of the provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, Canada’s largest by population. The Canadian Red Ensign is also associated with veterans of Canada’s armed forces, particularly veterans of World War I and World War II.

The Canadian Red Ensign has also become increasingly co-opted by Canada’s far right, including being flown by neo-Nazis and white supremacists at marches, protests and events. When used by these groups, the Canadian Red Ensign is intended to represent an idealised “white” and “European” history of the country.