Reports say today is the biggest break-up day of the year, and our history bears that out. On this date in 1931, Canada broke up with the United Kingdom, winning political independence and ending our colonial status. Yet, to mark the anniversary of the Statute of Westminster, the government orders all federal properties to hoist the British flag every Dec. 11th.

A healthy break-up should not leave one partner crippled by clinging to a symbol that reminds it of bygone days. After 91 years, it’s time to let go. Ottawa should not insist the flag of another country be flown to mark our separation from that country. Using a symbol of colonialism to mark independence is an oxymoron.

And, while breaking up might have been hard to do in 1931, changing this rule is not. It’s a simple decision from the Canadian Heritage department. No law needs to change to let the Canadian flag mark today's anniversary.

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