Canadian Flag to be Flown at Half-Mast
OTTAWA, December 6, 1996 The Member of Parliament for Ottawa-West, Marlene Catterall, announced today, on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, that the Canadian flag on the Peace Tower will be flown at half-mast today, December 6, in honour of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.The Canadian government recently approved a new practice of half-masting the Canadian flag on national memorial days such as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6 and the Workers Mourning Day on April 28, or for memorial services on Parliament Hill such as was held on September 29, 1996, to honour police and correctional officers killed in the line of duty.
According to past practice, the flag could be flown at half-mast only on the death of prominent individuals such as the Sovereign, a member of the Royal Family, a serving or former Governor General, a serving or former Prime Minister, a serving federal Cabinet Minister, a Privy Councillor, a Lieutenant Governor, a Senator, a Member of the House of Commons, or a foreign Head of State.
Information:
Kevin Degaust
Office of MP Marlene Catterall
(613) 996-0984
Julia Arnsby
Press Secretary
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister of Canadian
(819) 997-7788
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