Celebrating 60 Years of the Canada Flag: Conversations with Canadians

Sixty years ago, the Canadian flag became a symbol of our nation—waving over moments of pride, struggle, unity, and reflection.

Since Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson introduced the flag in 1965, the Pearson Centre has hosted an annual celebration on Parliament Hill with the Speaker of the House and politicians.

This year, however, with the House prorogued, renovations underway on Parliament Hill, and an opportunity to try something new, the Pearson Centre partnered with The Other Hill (a space dedicated to inspiring conversations in Canada’s capital) and Bridge Building Group to host an important discussion with everyday Canadians about the flag—before the traditional reception with speeches and cake cutting.

As Bridge Building Group, we were deeply honoured to be part of this milestone event—one that comes at a critical time when conversations about what it means to be Canadian, amid threats to our sovereignty, are more important than ever. It was also the perfect moment to launch www.conversationswithcanadians.ca, a platform dedicated to fostering these essential discussions.

So, on Thursday, February 13, 2025, despite one of the worst snowstorms of the year, we gathered—leaders and everyday Canadians alike—to ask: What does the flag mean to Canadians today?

In a room filled with voices from different sectors and backgrounds, we heard stories of deep pride—moments when the flag felt like home, like belonging (especially today!). But we also heard stories of discomfort—times when the flag didn’t reflect everyone’s lived experience. Holding both—pride and pain, unity and shame—made for an honest and powerful conversation.

We also watched part of the Design Canada documentary, which explored the history of the Canadian flag. It reminded us that national divisions are not new—and that the flag itself was the result of a cross-partisan effort to unite Canadians.

A highlight of the evening was a story shared by The Honourable Don Boudria, former Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister. He recalled welcoming a foreign diplomat to a multicultural festival in Toronto. The diplomat looked around in awe and said, "Wow, this is really beautiful. I could only hope to have something like this in my country." With tears in his eyes—and in the eyes of many in the audience—Boudria reminded us that while Canada isn’t perfect, we have something truly special: respect for others, a peaceful nature, and a sense of joy.

Through these stories, a deeper truth emerged: the shared values that truly connect us. Across diverse perspectives, we found common ground in what we hold dear:

Courage. Hope. Diversity. Respect. Responsibility. Connection.

These are the threads that weave us together—not just as a country, but as people striving for a better future.

Thank you to everyone who participated, and to our esteemed guests: The Honourable Greg Fergus, Speaker of the House of Commons; The Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier; and The Honourable Don Boudria, former Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister.

A special thank you to our hosts and co-organizers, Leanne Moussa (Chair, The Other Hill) and Kevin Bosch (Chair, The Pearson Centre), for helping bring this important dialogue to life.

These conversations don’t stop here. Join us at www.conversationswithcanadians.ca to be part of the dialogue.