Essay On Lester B Pearson's Idea Of A New Flag

On Canada’s journey to becoming an independent nation, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson proposed his idea of a new flag. Pearson envisioned creating a symbol that would bring a strong statement to a new self-sufficient nation, it would show commonalities, differences, culture, and ethnicity as well as new history to be shared. There was a tremendous amount of controversy, involving our national flag: The ultimate representation of our country, our values, and our heritage. The Nationalists believed a new flag would be a great way to separate themselves from Britain, whereas the Traditionalists were against a new flag due to their strong attachment to Canada’s British heritage and its Union Jack. Nonetheless, the real controversy lied upon the

Person when he proposed his idea of creating a new distinct Canadian emblem that would be recognized globally as a self-sufficient nation. For the Nationalists, the goal was to build national pride, one that was separate from Britain and the Union Jack, and there was no better way than to create a new Canadian symbol. Alternatively, many argued the fact that Canada should keep its historical ties to Britain and the introduction of a new flag initiated a tremendous amount of controversy and ultimately became another divisive issue. The Traditionalists felt a strong attachment to their British heritage and its Union Jack, primarily because the British had fought for Canada under the red ensign. John Diefenbaker, the opposition leader of the Conservative party had very strong opinions and views on the subject matter. He stated “The Pearson flag is a meaningless flag. There is no recognition of history; no indication of the existence of French and English Canada; the partnership of the races; no acknowledgment of history. It is a flag without a past, without history, without honor, and without pride.” John Diefenbaker believed that the act of creating a new flag to bring Canadians closer together will consequently tear Canadians

The debates were ugly, and incorporated lengthy speeches about concerns, values, beliefs and so on, all of which was not only if we should have a new flag, but the design of the flag itself. What symbol would represent Canada? That is where the real debate began. Many disagreed on what new symbol should represent the country, the Conservative leader John Diefenbaker, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Canadian Corps Association insisted that the Union Jack is incorporated into the new flag to reflect Canada’s British heritage. Diefenbaker's’ supporters insisted that the Union Flag is included on their national flag to represent their British heritage and other commonwealth countries. The Liberals and New Democratic Parties wanted something with maple leaves. “But the issue was not whether the maple leaf was the symbol for Canadians, but whether the nation should exclude their British heritage component from its identity”. Pearson wanted to create a flag which would history and tradition, but he also wanted the Union Jack included as a reminder of Canada's links to the United Kingdom. Lester Pearson's preferred and first choice for a new flag was nicknamed "the Pearson Pennant" by the opposition leader John Diefenbaker. The “Pearson Pennant” featured three maple leaves on a blue background. Pearson preferred this choice, as the blue bars reflected Canada's motto, "From Sea to Sea.”