Provincial Flag Protocol

Learn about the significance of flags, flag etiquette and Prince Edward Island flag procedures.

Half-Masting

There is a standard practice for half-masting flags, established by the federal government and followed by all provinces. The practice is not mandatory for individuals or organizations; it is adapted from international usage and reflects a long-standing custom in Canada.

Flags at all provincial government buildings will be flown at half-mast upon the death of:

• the Sovereign
• a member of the Royal Family related in the first degree to the Sovereign (husband, wife, son, daughter, father, mother, brother or sister)
• the Governor General of Canada; a former Governor General
• the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island; a former Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island
• the Premier of Prince Edward Island; a former Premier of Prince Edward Island
• the Prime Minister; a former Prime Minister
• any other person whom it is desired to honour

Flags may also be flown at half-mast on commemorative anniversary dates legislated by provincial government.

Flags at all Prince Edward Island government buildings within the ridings or community of residence will be flown at half-mast upon the death of:

• a current Privy Councillor, Senator or Member of Parliament from Prince Edward Island
• a current Member of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island

Flags are not normally half-masted for foreign or Commonwealth heads of state or government, as these fall under federal jurisdiction; nor for federal ministers, Senators or Members of Parliament who are not from Prince Edward Island.

The flag flown at the Peace Tower signifies the collective sorrow and respect of all Canadians.

Flags at individual ministry or regional facilities may be half-masted in cases of lives lost while at work, or other tragic events. Flags at the Legislative Assembly are flown at half-mast at the discretion of the Speaker, not the government.

Flags may be half-masted from sunrise to sunset on the day of the funeral in the region of the funeral for soldiers killed in the line of duty, who were originally from Prince Edward Island or recently posted to Prince Edward Island.

Flag Protocol

Flag protocol determines the positioning of flags at provincial events or ceremonies.

Positioning of two flags

If you stand facing the flags, Canada’s flag is on the left and the other, whether it is a national or sub-national flag, is on the right, as follows:

• Canada
• Other

Positioning of three flags with a foreign country

If you stand facing the flags, Canada’s flag should be in the centre, the flag of the foreign country is to the left, and Prince Edward Island’s flag is to the right, as follows:

• Foreign Country
• Canada
• Prince Edward Island

Positioning of three flags with a municipality

If you stand facing the flags, Canada’s flag is in the centre, the Prince Edward Island flag is to the left and the municipal flag is to the right as follows:

• Prince Edward Island
• Canada
• Municipality

Contact:

Debbie Atkinson
Chief of Protocol
P.O. Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE  C1A 7N8
Telephone: 902-368-4605
Email: djatkinson@gov.pe.ca