Canadian Parliamentary Flag Program

Items from the Canadian Parliamentary Flag Program

See Parliament of Canada for an overall explanation of the functioning and composition of the Parliament of Canada

See Department of Canadian Heritage for an overall explanation of the responsibilities of the Department of Canadian Heritage

The objective of the Canadian Parliamentary Flag Program is to enable Canadian parliamentarians, from both Senate and House of Commons, to promote national symbols and to encourage Canadians to express pride in their symbols.

In December 1972, Cabinet approved a program under which senators and members of the Canadian House of Commons would receive flags and flag pins for distribution to constituents. An annual quota was established and the Canadian Parliamentary Flag Program went into effect on April 1, 1973.[1]

Administration

In January each year the various government whips receive a letter from the Department of Canadian Heritage addressed to all members of parliament (MPs) and senators, explaining the Canadian Parliamentary Flag Program and the items to be included in the allotment.

Enclosed with this letter is a form which each parliamentarian must complete and then fax to the offices of the Department of Canadian Heritage in order to secure their allocation.

Allocation

Whilst a number of different items are included in the allocation, the type and quantity sent to each parliamentarian is fixed. MPs receive approximately twice the amount of promotional items as senators. The Department of Canadian Heritage sets aside a reserve in case an election is called, so that all new members of parliament would automatically receive an allotment package.

See also

• Parliament of Canada
• Department of Canadian Heritage
• Flag of Canada
• Maple Leaf
• National symbols of Canada
• Royal coat of arms of Canada

References

• Canadian Heritage. "Administration of the Parliamentary Flag Program"
• Nick Weekes, FFI. "Official Promotion of Flags and Flag Flying in Canada, Australia and New Zealand"

External links

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