Tuesday, October 12, 2021

The New Canada

Picking up where I left off yesterday, this view looks down into the first of the three galleries. The unusual sculpture at centre is a family tree, with each line reflecting the descendants of a woman who came to New France as a Daughter of the King.


Victory in Europe, seen in the smiles of a man and woman active in the service. It would be followed by victory in Japan. The Second World War had a huge influence in the development and progress of the country, and the years that followed would see much more change.


In 1949, Newfoundland came into the country, having had been a separate dominion. Its premier, Joey Smallwood, has been deemed the last Father of Confederation.


A highly influential politician, widely admired in Canadian history, is Tommy Douglas. Leader of the Co-Operative Commonwealth Federation (today the NDP), premier of Saskatchewan from 1944-1961, and federal party leader, he established publicly funded health care in his province which would be reflected by federal health care under Pearson. A campaign sign and one of his signature hats are displayed here alongside a photograph of the man.


One of the debates that rose up in the 1950s and into the 1960s was the concept of a new flag for the country. Should the nation stay with the familiar Red Ensign flag or choose something new in and of itself. There would be many different designs considered.

28 comments:

  1. Interesting information about your corner of the world 🌎

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  2. I still like the Canadian flag with that beautiful leaf in the middle.

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  3. Thank goodness for universal health care.

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  4. Me imagino, que habría posturas encontradas en cuanto a la decisión de elegir una bandera que los representaba y de ahí, los años que se hizo esperar.

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  5. Lovely flag with the single leaf.

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  6. Hello,
    The tree sculpture is cool. I have always liked the Canadian Flag.
    Take care, enjoy your day and week ahead!

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  7. ...the Daughters of the King is an interesting story.

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  8. @Nancy: that it is.

    @Italiafinlandia: indeed.

    @Jan: it is a good design.

    @David: I certainly agree.

    @Ventana: thank you.

    @Francisco: thanks.

    @Gemel: that it is.

    @Eileen: thank you.

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  9. I've always liked the maple leaf on the Canadian flag.

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  10. I think we made the correct choice of flag design.

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  11. Happy times ~ great exhibit and photos ~

    Living in the moment,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  12. I was old enough to see the changes taking place after the war. The economy boomed. The flag debate was interesting. I was teaching in Inuvik when we officially raised the flag. Some of the cadets froze their ears at the ceremony.

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  13. The Canadian flag is so recognizable. I'd hate to see it change.

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  14. @Bill: me too.

    @Jennifer: indeed.

    @RedPat: I agree.

    @Carol: thank you.

    @Red: good memories.

    @Sharon: it's here to stay.

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  15. 1200 flag designs is as amazing as the descendants of a daughter of the king.

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  16. Tommy Douglas gave us a gift.

    I vaguely recall the three maple leaf proposal.

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  17. First let me say how beautiful your blog header photo is, and wow that is one long staircase to reach the bottom. How fun! The first photo of the gallery appears to be quite a lovely design, a very nice place indeed.

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  18. I think the Canadian maple leaf flag is probably my favorite flag of any country, anywhere. It's a wonderful design.

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  19. that's interesting. thank you for teaching me a things or 2. learning is important even at my age. ( ;

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