Royal Canadian Navy to run white ensign up the mast starting Sunday

OTTAWA – The Royal Canadian Navy is getting a new ensign to fly at the masthead and at naval shore establishments.

The naval ensign, a white flag with the Canadian Maple Leaf flag in the top corner closest to the mast and a blue navy badge in the outer half, will now fly from the mast of warships at sea.

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The regular Maple Leaf flag will now be designated as the navy jack, which means it will fly from the ship’s bow when it is tied up at a dock or buoy.

Essentially, the change merely switches the positions of the two flags.

Vice Admiral Paul Maddison, the head of the navy, says it is important to naval heritage, because warships have traditionally flown a special ensign to signify their status.

Canadian warships flew the white ensign of Britain’s Royal Navy from 1910 to 1965, when it was replaced by the then-new Maple Leaf.