Flag of New Brunswick

Old flag (until 1965)

The flag of New Brunswick is a banner modeled on the provincial coat of arms . In the upper third there is a golden leopard on a red background , reminiscent of England and the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg . Underneath, on a golden background and on blue-white waves, is an ancient galley with sails and oars, a symbol of the province's shipping tradition. The aspect ratio is 8: 5.

Another flag existed until 1965, but it was used very rarely. It was a Blue Ensign with the provincial coat of arms. Prime Minister Louis Robichaud was on vacation before the first parliamentary session of the year . The conservative opposition wanted to use this opportunity in the Queen's Speech of Vice Governor surprising to table a motion. This envisaged the introduction of a provincial flag based on the Canadian Red Ensign , the Canadian national flag that had only been replaced a few weeks earlier. The government led by a French-speaking academic would have been forced to reject this request, which would inevitably have aroused the resentment of the English-speaking part of the population.

Robert Pichette, Robichaud's secretary, learned of the opposition's plan from an acquaintance and met in secret with the heraldist Alan Beddoe . Together they designed the new flag and had it checked by the College of Arms . Robichaud returned from vacation, was enthusiastic about Pichette's idea and - again in secret - had information brochures printed for MPs and the press. During the speech from the throne, Robichaud presented the new flag to the surprised public. Parliament had no choice but to approve the introduction, which finally took place on February 24, 1965.

Flag of New Brunswick

Web links