The Flag of British Columbia is based upon
the shield of the provincial arms of British Columbia. At the top of the
flag is a rendition of the Union Flag,
representing the province's origins as a British colony, with a setting
sun below. The British Columbia flag was introduced on June 14, 1960 by
Premier W. A. C. Bennett, and was first flown on board the BC Ferries vessel
Queen of Sidney. Some early versions of the flag were reversed, with the
Union Flag on the bottom. This was changed as it conflicted with the expression
"The sun never sets on the British Empire."The four wavy white
and three wavy blue lines symbolize the province's location between the
Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. The setting sun represents the fact
that British Columbia is Canada's western most province.
The sun may also reflect the provincial motto "Splendor sine occasu"
(beauty that never diminishes) -- or, in other words, the sun that never
sets (on the British Empire). In Canada, it could be argued, the Empire
lives on in the country's symbols and parliamentary institutions. The Union
Flag on top reflects the province's British heritage, while the King Edward
crown in the centre represents the Canadian Royal Family. The flag has an
aspect ratio of 3:5. |