Who Designed the Canadian Flag?
The Maple Leaf flag was the result of several contributors rather than a single isolated sketch.
George Stanley’s concept
Historian George F. G. Stanley proposed a simple flag built around a single red maple leaf on white between two red vertical sections. Canadian Heritage identifies Stanley’s concept as the design selected by the parliamentary flag committee in 1964.
Jacques St-Cyr and the 11-point leaf
The original concept used a 13-point leaf. Graphic artist Jacques St-Cyr simplified the emblem to eleven points so it would remain clear from a distance and when moving in the wind.
George Bist and the graphic layout
Graphic designer George Bist contributed to the proportions and final layout used for the national flag, helping turn the selected concept into a precise reproducible design.
John Matheson’s role
Member of Parliament John Matheson was a key member of the parliamentary flag committee and is widely credited with helping build consensus around the single-leaf concept. Canadian Heritage records his note to Stanley after the House of Commons approved the design in December 1964.
FAQ
Was the Canadian flag designed by one person?
No. Stanley supplied the core concept, but several people contributed to the final graphic form and political selection.
Who designed the 11-point leaf?
Jacques St-Cyr refined the leaf into the final 11-point form.
Who proposed the single maple leaf idea?
George F. G. Stanley.
