Insulting flag rule rejected at Vimy. Let's make it official!

A century ago, Canadians took a ridge in battle, and never gave it back. France gave Vimy Ridge to Canada in gratitude for its First World War victory, there, in 1917. Today, federal protocol forces the surrender of the Canadian flag from its place of honour at Vimy (and anywhere in Canada) to those of royal visitors from Britain. At the centennial ceremony, this month, FOUR flags were deemed more important than the Maple Leaf because of the guest list: the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, Henry of Wales, and the governor general. Officially, each one's flag takes precedence ahead of the Canadian flag. Never mind that nearly 3,600 Canadians died on that field, or that over 7,000 were wounded. It seems that isn't enough blood spilled to ensure our flag is eclipsed by no other. Then, at the ceremony itself, a surprise: Contrary to protocol, no royal or vice regal flags were flown at all. Not even the Canadian flag adorned the monument. It appears federal officials wished to sidestep their own rules, wary of demoting the Maple Leaf at such a sacred site. The upshot is that the Canadian flag was scarcely seen at an event marking what historians say was our nation's coming of age. Alternately obeying and rejecting our flag rules is not a solution. If we want to avoid conflicts like this, which risk insulting Canada at the whim of event planners, then our flag rules need to be rewritten. Simply put, the Maple Leaf should take precedence everywhere in Canada--including Vimy--at all times, and no matter who comes to visit. Take action to defend the Maple Leaf: 1. Sign this petition 2. Share it with friends on social media 3. Follow up with your MP, and email Heritage minister Mélanie Joly: hon.melanie.joly@canada.ca and the PMO: pm@pm.gc.ca