Flying Flags on Campus

1. Introduction and Purpose 

Flags are used as a symbolic identification for countries, provinces, territories, and lands. Adhering to appropriate flag etiquette signals respect for jurisdictions, causes, and individuals. This can also serve to mark significant events to the college community.

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines for flying flags at the Belleville campus of Loyalist College to ensure all flag raising, lowering, and half-masting is carried out in a consistent and respectful manner and considerate of the appropriate national protocol.

2. Application 

This policy applies to the Belleville campus of Loyalist College.

Policy

The college follows the rules established by the provincial and federal governments for flying the National Flag of Canada and other flags.

Flags that are flown include:

• National Flag of Canada
• Provincial Flag of Ontario
• Indigenous Flag
• Loyalist College Flag

At all times, the National Flag of Canada will be flown in a respectful manner. It will not be subjected to indignity or shown in an inferior position to any other flag or symbol.

3. Flying Multiple Flags

When an observer is facing the display directly (i.e., Facing the college for the main flag poles or facing the interior flagpoles from the main entrance), the following flags will be flown from left to right: the National Flag of Canada, the Provincial Flag of Ontario, the Indigenous Flag, and the Loyalist College Flag (or a courtesy flag). When there are two flagpoles, the National Flag of Canada should be flown on the farthest left pole and the Provincial Flag of Ontario flown on the right.

Where there are three flagpoles, the National Flag of Canada should be flown in the position of honour, which is the centre.

When there are more than three flagpoles, the National Flag of Canada should be flown in the position of honour, which is the furthest left when facing the flagpoles.

5. Loyalist College Flag and the Courtesy Flagpole

The Loyalist College flag is flown on the courtesy flagpole. On occasion, the courtesy flagpole may be used to fly other flags in which case, the Loyalist College Flag will temporarily be removed.

The courtesy flagpole is designated for the display of specialty flags as a visible acknowledgement of the college’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and solidarity with its community. The use of this flagpole allows the college to celebrate significant events or initiatives that align with its values, recognize contributions of specific groups, and to promote awareness of important social or cultural causes. The courtesy flagpole may also be used to display the national flag of a visiting sovereign nation during an official visit by its head of state or designated representative.

The following flags are examples of what may be flown in place of the Loyalist College flag:

• Second Week of November – Transgender Awareness Week
• April 2 – Autism Awareness
• April 15 – India Independence Day
• First Week of June – Pride Week
• September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

6. Annual Half-Masting Days

Half-masting for all flagpoles will occur on the following dates, as identified by the Government of Canada:

• September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• November 8 – Indigenous Remembrance Day
• November 11 – Remembrance Day
• December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

 7. Half-Masting Fags During Bereavement

In the event of the death of a prominent figure such as a public official, dignitary, or member of the broader community who has made significant contributions to the college, flags will be flown at half-mast to acknowledge the loss of life, express the community’s collective grief, and demonstrate respect for those who have passed away.

Public Officials and Dignitaries

Upon the death of one of the following public officials and dignitaries, flags will be flown at half-mast in accordance with established governmental protocols, generally from the time of death until sunset on the day of the funeral or memorial, unless other arrangements have been confirmed.

• The Sovereign, the Governor General, or the Prime Minister
• The Sovereign’s spouse, the Heir to the Throne or the Heir of the Heir to the Throne
• Former Governors General
• Former Prime Ministers
• The current Premier of Ontario
• Current Provincial Government Ministers
• The current Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
• Current MPs, MPPs, Regional Chair or Mayors of a community served by the college

Loyalist College Community Member

Flags will be flown at half-mast upon the death of one of the following, if requested:

• Former member of the Board of Governors, a friend, ally, or advocate of Loyalist College
• Current Loyalist College student
• Current Loyalist College employee
• Current or former Loyalist College President
• Current member of the Board of Governors

9. References

• Flag Protocol, Government of Ontario
• National Flag of Canada half-masting notices, Government of Canada