Statement by the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the Occasion of National Flag of Canada Day

OTTAWA, Feb. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Since its creation, the National Flag of Canada has been the quintessential symbol of our identity and a true source of pride. It embodies the values of freedom, respect, and democracy that we hold so dear and that define us as Canadians around the world. Today, the Government is pleased to join all Canadians in marking National Flag of Canada Day.

Our flag belongs to all of us. As we gather this February to cheer on our team at the Olympic Games, it is especially uplifting to see our Canadian flag waved by our athletes, or even better, hoisted in medal ceremonies.

In keeping with the recent practice of presenting a Peace Tower flag to deserving Canadians, Prime Minister Stephen Harper presented the flag to the family of the late Sarah Burke, a trailblazing freestyle skier and a great Canadian.

On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I encourage all Canadians to visit www.canada.gc.ca/flagday to learn more about the history of our flag and about what it represents. To celebrate our flag is to realize and appreciate how privileged we are to live in the greatest country in the world.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage