In 1867 Canada was still under control of Britain and part of the British empire. The statute of Westminster made Canada an independent country in 1931 but Canada still kept the British flag. Non British Canadians and the British people didn't care for the Red Ensign flag with the British naval flag with Canada's coat of arms. Many felt it divided Britain and Canada instead of uniting them and felt it symbolized the English conquest of 1759-1760. in 1964 Lester B Pearson knew Canada needed a new flag so he announced that Canada would choose a new flag and established a committee to examine more than 2000 designs. After 33 days of butter debate they chose the present red maple leaf design. The majority of Canadians were pleased and it was proudly
