Because he thought Canadians needed a new flag to represent themselves rather than a flag with a Union Jack and a shield, so he chose a lag with a maple leaf, and the flag was changed without a public referendum and many people hated the new flag. read more
In 1963, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson pitched his idea for a new flag during a speech to the Canadian Legion in Winnipeg. "I believe that today a flag designed around the Maple Leaf, will symbolise and be a true reflection of the new Canada." As boos resonated throughout the audience, Pearson got a glimpse of the controversy he'd unleashed. read more
Although the flag debate had been going on for a long time prior, it officially began on June 15, 1964, when Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson proposed his plans for a new flag in the House of Commons. read more