Canadian Flag Replaced by Pride Flag at PMO Sparks Controversy

The removal of the Canadian flag from the front entrance of the Prime Minister’s Office in Ottawa has ignited debate after it was replaced with the intersex-inclusive Pride flag. This change occurred on August 16, 2025, and was captured on video by Dacey Media, showing a crew using a small construction lift to swap the flags. The Canadian flag remains on the left side of the entrance, while the Pride flag now flies on the right.

Concerns have been raised about the decision to display the Pride flag in such a prominent location. Critics argue that there has been no formal vote by Canadians or Members of Parliament to allow another flag to share space with the national symbol. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has not yet provided a response to inquiries regarding the rationale behind this flag change.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has previously shown support for the Pride community. On June 10, he participated in a flag-raising ceremony on Parliament Hill, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to celebrating 2SLGBTQI+ communities. At that event, Carney stated, “as we raise our voices—and our flags—we celebrate 2SLGBTQI+ communities and remain committed to building a Canada where everyone can live freely and with #pride.”

While raising a Pride flag in support of an event aligns with Canadian traditions, the decision to replace the national flag at the PMO is a departure from established protocols. The Canadian Heritage website indicates that the national flag must be flown at all federal government buildings and takes precedence over all other flags on Canadian soil. According to this protocol, the Canadian flag should always occupy the position of honour.

The controversy surrounding the flag replacement has prompted questions about the process that led to this decision. Who approved the installation of the Pride flag? Why was the Canadian flag removed? These questions remain unanswered as both the PMO and Ottawa’s Capital Pride have yet to comment on the situation.

Interestingly, this is not the first instance where a Pride flag has been prominently displayed at a Canadian government location. Reports indicate that a hybrid Pride-Maple Leaf flag was displayed at Canada’s embassy in Hong Kong, with government social media accounts promoting the image. This has raised further questions about the guidelines governing flag displays in official capacities.

The situation reflects a broader conversation about representation and inclusivity in Canada. The decision to fly the Pride flag at the PMO could be seen as an affirmation of support for the LGBTQ+ community, but it also highlights the need for transparent dialogue regarding national symbols and their meanings.

As the debate continues, observers emphasize that significant changes to national representation should involve public discourse and potentially a parliamentary vote. The PMO serves as a symbol of all Canadians, and decisions made regarding its displays should reflect a collective agreement.

While the Pride flag currently sits outside the PMO, it remains to be seen how long it will remain there and whether it will become a permanent fixture. Prime Minister Carney, during recent remarks at the Vancouver Pride parade on August 3, described the event as embodying “the essence of Canada,” indicating his support for the Pride movement. As the conversation evolves, the significance of flag representation in Canada will likely remain in focus.