The Flag of Prince Edward Island: Canada’s Birthplace

The Island Where Confederation Began

Prince Edward Island’s flag was adopted on March 24, 1964, during the very period when the national flag debate was consuming Parliament. PEI’s flag is based on the provincial coat of arms granted in 1905.

Design and Symbolism

The flag is a banner of arms featuring a gold English lion passant guardant across the top, and below it a large oak tree (representing England and the strength of the Crown) flanked by three young oak saplings on an island. The three saplings represent the three counties of PEI (Kings, Queens, and Prince), while the island upon which they stand represents PEI itself — the smallest province, surrounded by the sea.

PEI holds a unique place in Canadian history as the birthplace of Confederation. The Charlottetown Conference of 1864, where the idea of uniting the British North American colonies was first seriously discussed, took place in the province’s capital. Although PEI did not actually join Confederation until 1873, it claims — with justification — the title of “Birthplace of Confederation.”