Time to redesign Manitoba's flag? A new survey wants to know what you think
In a debate almost as old as the province itself, the question of whether Manitoba needs a new flag is being raised once again.
The Manitoba Vexillological Association is doing an unofficial — and extremely short — online survey to gather Manitobans’ thoughts on the current banner and whether it’s time for a redesign.
“Our poll is looking for public opinion, really. We’re not trying to make a change unless we see overwhelming support for a change; then maybe in the future, we would petition the government for that,” vexillological association founder Lucas Stratton told CBC Radio Noon host Marjorie Dowhos.
The survey makes it clear that it isn’t being done because of any interest expressed by the provincial government or political parties, and it doesn’t suggest any official steps will be taken toward accepting a new provincial flag.
“Right now we are just wondering what people think. Do we need a new flag? Do we like the current flag? What’s the deal?” Stratton said.
The survey asks three simple questions: Are you a resident of Manitoba? Do/would you support the pursuit of a new provincial flag for Manitoba? How did you hear about this survey?
It includes a blank space for additional comments.
The book Good Flag, Bad Flag cites the Manitoba flag as a bad example. (Brooke Schreiber/CBC News Graphics)
Stratton said the survey was prompted by a recent push in the United States for new state flags, as well as the regular debate that occurs online around Manitoba’s flag.
“So we decided to collect that data and kind of once and for all see what Manitoba thinks.”
A group of 20 experts from the North American Vexillological Association graded all 72 North American provincial, state and territorial flags as part of a NAVA flag survey in 2001.
Manitoba came in 44th place, the worst ranking of all provincial flags. The flag was criticized for bearing too close a resemblance to Ontario’s, which placed 43rd.
Ted Kaye, secretary of the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), featured Manitoba’s flag as one of a handful of examples of poor designs around the world in his book Good Flag, Bad Flag.
Thousands gathered on May 12, 1966, for the unveiling of Manitoba’s provincial flag. (University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections, Winnipeg Tribune fonds)
The flag of Manitoba consists of a Red Ensign (signifying the connection to the Commonwealth) on top of the left side, with the shield of the provincial coat of arms — a bison and Cross of St. George — in the centre of the right side.
It was first approved by the Manitoba Legislative Assembly on May 11, 1965, and first flown on May 12, 1966.
That came shortly after the federal government adopted the current Canadian flag in 1964, replacing one that looked strikingly similar to those still flown by Manitoba and Ontario.
“The Manitoba flag was seen as a way to preserve the rich heritage that many felt was lost after the Maple Leaf flag replaced the Canadian Red Ensign,” a provincial spokesperson told CBC News in 2020, when the flag debate was also raised.
Shayne Campbell, a member of both the Manitoba and North American vexillological associations, has no hesitation in saying Manitoba’s flag needs a refresh.
“A flag is only good for representing people if it doesn’t disclude people, so unfortunately, the Manitoba flag is a little bit of a problem,” he said.
“There’s a lot of British symbols in it, which, in today’s climate, people kind of want to re-evaluate. Even though the power may have laid with British folk in government at the time … it’s not the same anymore, clearly.”
Three months ago, Manitobans elected an NDP government that’s headed by Wab Kinew, the first ever First Nations premier of a Canadian province.
The biggest question is what to put on a new flag, said Campbell, president and executive director of Settlers, Rails & Trails museum in Argyle, Man., which is home to a collection of 1,700 flags.
“On a new flag, what we’d want to do is probably clean it up to have one principal image and then very basic colours — two would be best, but three at the most,” he said, pointing to Nunavut’s flag as a great example.
“The tough part of flags is they’re usually flapping in the breeze, so whatever the design is, it should be something fairly bold and simple that you can see.”
The Canadian Red Ensign was replaced by the modern Maple Leaf flag in 1965. (Canadian Heritage/Government of Canada)
The image that is ultimately chosen should be neutral enough to include everyone, if that is even possible, Campbell said.
“The lesson might be just simply to look at the Canadian flag. It doesn’t necessarily speak to one specific group of people, therefore it represents us all.”
The Canadian flag was one of the longest and most debated issues in Canadian politics, more so than some wars and other crises, Campbell said.
From 3,500 designs, a committee whittled the options down to three before settling on the maple leaf and dual red bars.
“If a government is going to take this on, unfortunately it looks like it’s a firestorm. So I can imagine that a government would be very reluctant to do that, even though it is a great idea,” Campbell said.
“You’re not going to please everybody.”
The flag of Manitoba flies in Ottawa in 2021. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)
Stratton gave an admittedly “wishy-washy” answer to where he stands on Manitoba’s flag.
“I can see both arguments for good and bad,” he said. “I really enjoy the historical aspect of it … but also I can see clearly how it is an outdated design and how it looks almost identical to Ontario.”
The survey started this week and had about 900 responses as of Friday, when Stratton spoke to CBC News.
It will be open for at least two weeks. The exact length will depend on whether responses are still rolling in, Stratton said.
“We just want to give everyone time to answer it and spread the word and get as many responses as we can.”
The vexillological association will post the results “to show people what the opinion is” once all of the responses have been tabulated, Stratton said.