Order of precedence answers a simple question: when several flags appear together, which one comes first? Knowing the categories makes a complex display much easier to plan.
The basic order
Canadian Heritage lists the National Flag of Canada first, followed by other sovereign nations, provinces, territories, municipalities, organizations and historical flags. Specific personal flags can take precedence in limited official circumstances.
Order within each group
Foreign national flags are generally arranged alphabetically. Provinces follow their entry into Confederation, with population breaking ties; the territories follow in order of creation.
Build one final flag list
Do not rely on the order in which flags were requested. Combine the whole list, identify each category and approve the finished left-to-right arrangement before setup.
Reference: Official order of precedence
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Where do corporate flags appear?
Organizational flags normally follow national, provincial, territorial and municipal flags in the Canadian Heritage order.
Does Quebec have a special rule?
Canadian Heritage notes that Quebec gives its provincial flag the position of honour on buildings under the provincial government’s authority; federal properties follow federal protocol.