CORPORATION OF THE NATION MUNICIPALITY POLICY
Policy Number: POL-CL-02-2025
Version Number: V1
Policy Title: Flag Raising and Half-Masting Policy
Effective Date: March 1, 2025
Approval Authority: Council
Resolution / By-law Number: RES-CM-27-2025
Scheduled Review Date: 2025
Policy Contact: Pierre Leroux, CAO
Initiating Department: Clerk's Office
Abstract: This policy provides guidelines on the raising, half-masting, and placement of flags to ensure consistency, respect, and adherence to federal and provincial protocols.
1. Policy Statement
1.1 The Nation Municipality recognizes the importance of flags as symbols of community, heritage, and unity. This policy provides a framework for flag raising, half-masting, and special occasions to ensure consistent practices across all municipal facilities.
2. Purpose
2.1 To establish clear and consistent guidelines for the display, raising, and half-masting of flags at municipal facilities, enhancing public awareness of significant events and demonstrating respect during solemn occasions.
3. Scope
3.1 This policy applies to all municipal facilities and installations where flags are displayed, including The Nation's head office, fire stations, and other associated facilities.
4. Legislative Authority
4.1 Government of Canada Protocol for the Half-Masting of Flags (as per Canadian Heritage Flag Etiquette Guide)
4.2 Ontario's Flag Etiquette Guidelines (as per Ontario Flag Protocol Guide)
5. Definitions
5.1 Half-Mast: The position of the flag when flown at half-mast depends on its size, the mast's length, and its location. Generally, the center of the flag should be halfway down the mast.
5.2 Special Occasion Flag: A flag representing a non-profit or charitable organization, approved for temporary display.
6. Policy
6.1 Flag placement and raising
6.1.1 Flags to be displayed
- National Flag of Canada
- Provincial Flag of Ontario
- The Nation Municipal Flag
- Franco-Ontarian Flag
6.1.2 Placement
The Canadian Flag holds the place of honor, when multiple flags are displayed:
- Two flags: The Canadian Flag is on the left as viewed by spectators.
- Three flags: The Canadian Flag occupies the center position.
- Four flags: The Canadian Flag is on the tallest pole, followed by the Provincial Flag, The Nation Flag, and the Franco-Ontarian Flag.
6.2 Flags half mast
6.2.1 Flags will be flown at half-mast to recognize the death of:
- The Sovereign or an immediate relative
- Current/former Governor General of Canada
- Current/former Prime Minister of Canada
- Current/former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
- Current/former Premier of Ontario
- Current/former Mayor or Council Member of The Nation Municipality
- Municipal employees or firefighters
6.2.2 Flags will also be half masted on:
- April 28: National Day of Mourning for Workers
- June 23: National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism
- The second Sunday in September: Firefighters' National Memorial Day
- The last Sunday in September: National Peace and Police Officers Memorial Day
- November 11: Remembrance Day
- December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
On these dates, flags will be lowered at the Municipal Office in Casselman and the Limoges Complex. For Firefighters' National Memorial Day, flags will also be lowered at all municipal firehalls. Flags located in other areas, such as parks or additional municipal properties, will not be lowered unless a specific request is made by Council or the Mayor.
6.2.3 Timing
- Flags are lowered to half-mast on the day of death and raised the day after the funeral.
- If the funeral date is unknown, flags will remain at half-mast for a minimum of five days or as directed by federal or provincial protocol.
- For widely recognized national tragedies, additional half-masting periods may be determined by the Government of Canada or the Province of Ontario, following official notices from Public Services and Procurement Canada or the Ontario government.
- If a recognized half-masting date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the flag will be lowered on the preceding Friday.
6.3 Requests for Flag Raising and Ceremonies
6.3.1 The Nation Municipality does not accept requests for flag raising from external organizations. However, a request may be brought forward by a Council member through the "Other Business Presented by Council Members" section of the agenda and approved by Council as a whole.
6.3.2 If desired, any request for the Mayor's attendance or that of a reception must be brought forward at the same time as the Council member's request and must include the following information:
- Purpose and significance of the event
- Date and time of the ceremony
- Proposed location for the reception, if applicable
- Number of expected attendees
- Contact details for coordination
7. Responsibilities
7.1 Clerk: Administers the policy and coordinates flag-raising logistics.
7.2 Communications Department: Issues media releases and supports public awareness.
7.3 By-Law Department: Responsible for ensuring proper flag placement, raising, and maintenance at all municipal facilities.
8. Administration
8.1 This policy will be implemented and enforced by the Clerk's office, with oversight from the CAO
9. Exemptions
9.1 The Mayor or Council majority vote may override this policy's guidelines for special circumstances or emergencies.
10. Housekeeping Amendments
10.1 Minor updates to this policy, such as correcting typographical errors, updating titles, or ensuring consistency with legislative changes, may be made by the Clerk's office without requiring formal Council approval. Substantive changes must be reviewed and approved by Council.
11. Errors or Omissions
11.1 If unintentional errors or omissions are identified in the implementation or interpretation of this policy, the matter will be referred to the Clerk for clarification or resolution in consultation with the CAO as needed.
12. Policy Review
12.1 Reviews and updates will be done every five years to ensure compliance with legislative changes
13. Effective Date
13.1 March 1, 2025
14. References
- https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2024/pch/CH4-1-5-2001-eng.pdf
- https://www.ontario.ca/document/flag-protocol?utm_source=chatgpt.com
15. Approval
15.1 This policy shall be approved by way of Council resolution