1964 Proposal (Pearson Pennant)

Since the middle of the 19th century, the maple leaf had been considered the prime symbol of Canada. As a result, a number of initial alternate flag proposals incorporated the leaf. Some designs tried to find a compromise and give a balance to both the British and French heritage of Canada.

Prime Minister Pearson favored this design. The flag was charged with three maple leafs (one representing the English, the other the French, and the third all other communities making up the country). The leafs were placed in the middle of two blue bars that represented the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans on the west/east coasts of the country. It had been nicknamed the "Pearson Pennant" by the opposition leader and former prime minister, John G. Diefenbaker. 

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