The decision for Canada to replace the Canadian Red Ensign with the new National Flag of Canada in 1965 was unpopular with many Canadians, notably rural Ontarians who made up the voter base of John Roberts, then Premier of Ontario. In a move to appease his voter base, Roberts proposed for Ontario to adopt a flag of its own in the style of the Canadian Red Ensign. The flag would act as a symbol of the province’s British heritage and the many Canadian troops who lost their lives serving under the Red Ensign.

On 17 March, 1965 the Legislative Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of the flag.