The House and Its Members / The House of Commons Chamber
New flagpole and flag stand in silver maple; 50th anniversary of the maple leaf flag
Debates, p. 11348
Context
On February 18, 2015, the Speaker made a statement about the new flag stand located to the right of the Speaker’s chair. It was made from the wood of the maple tree that inspired Alexander Muir’s patriotic song The Maple Leaf Forever, written in October 1867. The Speaker also recognized the 50th anniversary of the maple leaf flag, mentioning that the original flag was on display in the Hall of Honour.
Statement of the Chair
The Speaker: I would like to draw to the attention of all hon. Members a new flagpole and stand fashioned from wood from the silver maple tree that inspired the song The Maple Leaf Forever here at the right hand of the Speaker’s chair. The remains of the tree, which fell during a storm in 2013, are being turned into 150 art-craft projects for public display across Canada.
I wish to thank the hon. Member for Toronto—Danforth who proposed that the House of Commons participate in this initiative.
I would also like to thank the teams of conservators and tradespeople in the House Administration for their superb design and excellent craftsmanship in creating these historical objects.
Members may also have noted the maple leaf flag in the Hall of Honour. It was flown at the top of the Peace Tower 50 years ago on February 15, 1965.
It will be on display until March 1. I invite all hon. Members to stop by and have a look at this remarkable artifact of our country’s history.