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City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release

February 15, 2024

Toronto celebrates National Flag of Canada Day, marking 60th anniversary of Canadian flag

Today, Mayor Olivia Chow, Members of Toronto City Council and hundreds of Torontonians joined Canadians from coast to coast to coast to celebrate the National Flag of Canada Day, marking the 60th anniversary of Canada’s flag.

The red-and-white maple leaf Canadian flag was first raised at the stroke of noon on February 15, 1965. It continues to serve as a symbol of unity and pride for Canadians, representing our shared values.

The City of Toronto raised an extra-large Canadian flag - measuring 15 feet by 30 feet - on Nathan Phillips Square. The ceremony featured a special rendition of the Canadian National Anthem and performance of “Welcome to the Rock" by the cast of the original Canadian theatre production of the multi-award-winning global sensation Come From Away, remarks by humourist and content creator Stewart Reynolds a.k.a. Brittlestar and Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, and spoken word poetry by Ontario’s first poet laureate, Randell Adjei.

Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a skating party until 2 p.m. on the Nathan Phillips Square rink celebrating all things Canadiana, with DJ MelBoogie spinning an all-Canadian music playlist, as well as a maple leaf ice sculpture by sculptor Fred Marquina of Ice Culture, food trucks, free hot chocolate provided by the Box 12 Association volunteers who provide rehabilitation services to Toronto Fire Services, and maple leaf “swag” including miniature paper flags, Canada flag pins and temporary tattoos. Many attendees wore red and white to show their Canadian pride.

Tonight, the Toronto Sign will remain lit in red and white to continue the celebration.

Quotes:

“The Maple Leaf is a symbol of Canadian pride - recognized from coast to coast to coast. Toronto is a global beacon of hope where diversity is our strength. We come from different religions, cultures and backgrounds but Canadians have each other’s backs and are united by our love for our country. This National Flag Day, let’s come together to celebrate as proud Canadians.”

– Mayor Olivia Chow

“The Canadian flag was introduced to be a symbol of unity and to represent all Canadians. And as we continue to work towards a vision of a Canada where we all thrive, we are coming together to celebrate in the most Canadian way - with art and sport and community."

– Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York)

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit www.toronto.ca or follow us on X at x.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofto.

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Media contact: Media Relations, media@toronto.ca

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