Holidays: Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster in Canada

Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster in Canada

Quick Facts

The Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster is annually celebrated in Canada on December 11.

Local names

Name	Language
Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster	English
L’anniversaire de la proclamation du Statut de Westminster	French

Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster 2009

Friday, December 11, 2009

Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster 2010

Saturday, December 11, 2010
See list of observations below

Many Canadians celebrate the Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster on December 11 each year to mark the establishment of the statute. Both the Canadian flag and the Royal Union flag are flown together on this day.

Both the Canadian flag and the Royal Union flag are flown together on the Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster. ©iStockphoto.com/philpell

What do people do?

Businesses, individuals and government offices across Canada observe the Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster on this day. Canada's national flag and the Royal Union Flag, also known as the Union Jack, are flown from sunrise to sunset. The flags can be seen at federal buildings, airports, military bases and other government establishments.

Other activities to observe the day include: newspaper or magazine articles about the anniversary of the Statute of Westminster and historical events leading up to the day; speeches by political leaders, academics and other officials; and classroom activities for students to learn about the history of their nation.

Public life

The Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster is not a public holiday but government and military officials ensure that the Canadian flag and the Royal Union flag are flown together from sunrise to sunset on this day.

Background

The original Royal Union flag, or Union Jack, was first raised at a British settlement in Newfoundland, Canada, after 1610. In 1870 the flag was incorporated into the flags of the Governor General and the Lieutenant Governors of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In 1904 the flag became a Canadian symbol and was used by Canadian troops during World War I.

However, for many years during the early 20th century Canada sought to gain formal recognition of its autonomy from the United Kingdom. Finally, in 1931 the Statute of Westminster, 1931, which was an Act of the British Parliament, gave Canada its autonomy. This statute marks the independence of Canada as the nation that it is today.

In 1964 Canada's parliament approved for the Royal Union flag to be used as a symbol of Canada’s membership in the Commonwealth of Nations and of the nation's allegiance to the British Crown. Canada still remains close with England and flies the Royal Union Flag along with the Canadian flag for occasions such as the Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster, Commonwealth Day, and Victoria Day.

Symbols

The Royal Union Flag, which is seen on the arms of British Columbia and on the flags of Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia, incorporates the diagonal cross of St Patrick with England's St George's cross and Scotland's St Andrew's cross. The Canadian flag is red and white, the official colors of Canada, with a stylized 11-point red leaf in its center. When flown together, there must be at least two flag poles and the Canadian flag takes precedence, never being replaced by the Union Jack.

Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster Observances

Weekday

Date

Year

Name

Holiday type

Where it is observed

Thu

Dec 11

1980