Canada swaps its naval flags

On 16 August 2011, the Government of Canada restored the historic name of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), renaming Maritime Command as such.

On 5 May 2013, the Government of Canada restored a standard Commonwealth naval practice by authorising RCN vessels to fly a distinctive Canadian Naval Ensign, and to fly the National Flag as the Naval Jack.

Essentially, the flag previously known as the Canadian Naval Jack became the Canadian Naval Ensign, while the National Flag became the Canadian Naval Jack.

For further reading on the history of RCN flags:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/services/history/naval-flags-uniforms/diplay-naval-flags.html
• https://www.cnrs-scrn.org/northern_mariner/vol23/tnm_23_267-286.pdf