HomeMy WebLinkAboutPOL-045-24 Flag Protocol
COUNTY OF NEWELL - POLICY HANDBOOK
POLICY NO: POL-045-24
TITLE: FLAG PROTOCOL
ADOPTED: May 9, 2024 (C-160/24)
SUPERCEDES NO: 2011-PAD-058 PAGE NO: 1 of 2
POLICY PURPOSE: To establish guidelines and procedures for flying the Canadian, Alberta, and
County of Newell flags at the County of Newell Administration Facility in a manner that upholds
respect and dignity for national, provincial, and municipal symbols while adhering to established
protocols.
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POLICY GUIDELINES:
1. FLAG DISPLAY
a. The Canadian flag should always be flown aloft and free.
b. The National Flag of Canada is flown in conformity with rules adopted by the
Government in 1966 (Dept. of Canadian Heritage).
c. The flag may be flown by night as well as by day.
d. The top left (first) quarter or canton should be placed in the position nearest the top of
the staff.
e. When only three flags are displayed, the National Flag should be at the centre.
f. The National Flag should be raised first and lowered last.
g. When a flag becomes tattered and is no longer in a suitable condition for use, it should
be destroyed in a dignified way by burning it privately.
2. HALF MASTING
a. Flags are flown at the half-mast position as a sign of mourning. The flag is brought to
the half-mast position by first raising it to the top of the mast then immediately lowering
it slowly to the half-mast position. On occasions requiring that one flag be flown at half-
mast, all flags flown together should also be flown at half-mast.
b. Flags are flown at half-mast when directed by the Department of Canadian Heritage.
The following are examples of the practice:
i. On November 11th (Remembrance Day), unless half-masting occurs at the
National War Memorial or a place where remembrance is being observed, then
half-masting can occur at 11:00 a.m. or according to the prescribed order of
service, until sunset.
ii. Across Canada and abroad, on the death of the Sovereign or a member of the
Royal Family related in the first degree to the Sovereign (spouse, son or
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daughter, father, mother, brother or sister), the Governor General, the Prime
Minister, a former governor general, a former prime minister, or a federal
cabinet minister.
iii. Within a province, on the death of the Lieutenant Governor, the Premier or
another person similarly honored by that province.
iv. Within his/her own riding, on the death of the Member of the House of
Commons, or the Member of the Provincial/Territorial Legislature.
v. At his/her place of residence, on the death of a Senator, a Canadian Privy
Councillor, or a Mayor/Reeve.
vi. “Death” may be taken to include the day of death and up to and including the
day of the funeral.
c. Flags are half-masted subject to special instructions on the death of members of the
Royal Family other than those related in the first degree to the Sovereign, a Head of a
Foreign State, or some other person whom it is desired to honor.
d. Flags are half-masted subject to special instructions from the Reeve, County Council
or the Chief Administrative Officer.