Flag of British Columbia

The Flag of British Columbia, Canada is based upon the shield of the provincial arms of British Columbia. At the top of the flag is a rendition of the Union Flag, defaced in the centre by a crown, representing the province's origins as a British colony, with a setting sun below.

History

The British Columbia flag was introduced on June 14, 1960 by Premier W. A. C. Bennett, and was first flown on board the BC Ferries vessel "Queen of Sidney". Some early versions of the flag were reversed, with the Union Flag on the bottom. This was changed as it conflicted with the expression "The sun never sets on the British Empire."

Design

The four wavy white and three wavy blue lines symbolize the province's location between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. The setting sun represents the fact that British Columbia is Canada's westernmost province. The sun may also reflect the provincial motto "Splendor sine occasu" (beauty that never diminishes) -- or, in other words, the sun that never sets (on the British Empire). In Canada, it could be argued, the Empire lives on in the country's symbols and parliamentary institutions. The Union Flag on top reflects the heritage of the province's British past, while the King Edward crown in the centre represents the Canadian Royal Family. The flag has an aspect ratio of 3:5. [Cite web|url=http://www.gov.bc.ca/bcfacts/|title=B.C. Facts|accessdate=2008-01-30|work=Province of British Columbia|author=Government of British Columbia]

ee also

*List of Canadian provincial and territorial symbols
*Symbols of British Columbia

References