Québec Provincial Flag

Immediately after World War II, the campaign in favour of a fleurdelisé flag was revived, but without the Sacred Heart. Canada’s choice in 1946 of the Red Ensign was poorly received in Québec. The following year, René Chaloult, an independent member of the legislative assembly, demanded a flag that reflected Quebecers’ aspirations. The government avoided taking a stand and Mr. Chaloult submitted a resolution that was to be debated on January 21, 1948

When the session began at 3 p.m., Prime Minister Maurice Duplessis made debate pointless by announcing that the fleurdelisé flag was already flying on the tower of the Parliament Building.

In heraldic language, the Québec flag is described thus: "Azure a cross between 4 fleurs-de-lis argent", i.e. on a blue background, a white cross surrounded by four fleurs-de-lis of the same colour.

The order of the Lieutenant-Governor in Council of January 21, 1948, which adopted the official flag of Québec, specified that the fleurs-de-lis be placed in a vertical position, an arrangement more in keeping with the rules of heraldry. It was not until March 9, 1950 that the legislative assembly gave its approval by adopting the Act respecting the official flag (R.S.Q. 1964, Ch. 2, Vol. 1).

Text in French

Images by My Type Artist, and Art Explosion 600,000.
Courtesy of Province of Québec