Beaverly the beaver reveals a little-known fact about the history of the flag of Canada.

Hello!  The Canadian flag, with its maple leaf and two red stripes on each side, is internationally recognized.

But did you know it could have been different?

In 1964, after intense debates within the government, a committee was formed to choose a new Canadian flag. On February 15, 1965, the new flag was raised on Parliament Hill.

It was a close call that there wouldn’t be a maple leaf on the flag!  And yet, the maple leaf has been a Canadian symbol since the 19th century. The maple leaf, with its beautiful fall colours, truly represents the nature of our beautiful country.

But the Canadian flag almost turned out very differently. One of the other choices featured a beaver flanked by two green stripes.

And let me tell you a little secret…my grandmother, Granny Lee, modeled this flag.

Shhh! Don’t tell anyone!