No one single person can be credited with the design of the maple leaf flag. Indeed, the design arose based on a strong sense of Canadian history and a result of a collaborative effort involving several Canadians. The combination of red and white appeared in the General Service Medal issued by Queen Victoria. Red and white were subsequently proclaimed Canada's national colours by King George V in 1921.

A key element of the flag - the stylized maple leaf - was designed by Jacques St. Cyr while the proportions were outlined by George Bist and the precise coloration defined by Gunter Wyszechi. The final determination of all aspects of the new flag was made by the 15-member parliamentary committee, which is officially credited with the design. The design was approved by a resolution of the House of Commons on December 15, 1964, and in the Senate on December 17, 1964, and proclaimed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to take effect on February 15, 1965.

For more information on the Canadian Flag please visit the official Canadian Government's "Flag Etiquette in Canada" website below.