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The president of the Royal Canadian Legion today urged that a national referendum be held on the issue of a Canadian flag. Judge C. C. Sparling said in Winnipeg that the one million veterans who fought under the Union Jack in three wars should have a say in what flag they want. If the federal government chose a flag without consulting the public it would be ‘‘the most autocratic act of legislation any government of this country has ever imagined.” Judge Sparling said ‘I cannot think or feel that any prime minister or government would take the responsibility of forc ing a flag on the people of Can ada which only a segment of the people want.” He suggested the referendum should ask: _ Do you wish to adopt the Red Ensign as the flag of Can ada? If not, do you wish to adopt a flag containing the Union Jack? If not, do you wish to adopt a flag containing the symbolic crown? If not, do you wish to adopt a flag containing Canada’s coat of arms? _ If not, do you wish a sim ple flag without any of them? “After this is done, the Royal Canadian Legion members, as good citizens, will accept what a majority of the people ask for. “The Legion is not dogmatic about the flag, but they want fair play.”
Newspaper Details
Winnipeg Tribune
Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA
Wed, Feb 26, 1964
Page 49
Full Page
Clipped by
John H.
