Mr. Speaker, it was on this day in 1965 that the Maple Leaf was adopted as the new Canadian flag. I was a young high school teacher at the time and I remember the debate that took place.
Though many people were adamantly opposed to the adoption of the Maple Leaf as our flag, we have now come to accept it as the symbol of Canadian identity. I think it is wonderful to have this symbol recognized around the world.
We are a highly respected country and being able to display the flag in most parts of Canada and freely around the world is important to us. I see more and more people flying the flag at their homes and businesses, not because they got them at taxpayers expense but because they are feeling more devoted and loyal to this wonderful country.
I hope we will now build on what this flag represents: a country known for its freedoms and opportunities. It is with optimism and hope that I pledge to continue working for a new Canada. I hope that we will soon be able to replace this dinosaur Liberal government that keeps trying to take away our individual and collective freedoms.