Frequently Asked Questions
A few suggestions to commonly asked questions:
1.
What is the protocol regarding flying flags? Can we fly two or
three different flags on the same pole?
No, each flag requires its own pole. Flags of two nations should
not be simultaneously flown from the same pole as this normally
represents domination or defeat of the lowermost by the uppermost.
This is used in wartime to indicate the capture of an enemy ship.
http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/etiquette/2_e.cfm
2.
How do I position two flags together if one is Canada's?
If you stand
facing the flags, Canada's flag is on the left and the other,
whether it is a national or sub-national flag, is on the right.
example:
3. How do I position three flags together?
When three flags are flown together, the National Flag will occupy
the central position with the next ranking flag to the left and
the third ranking flag to the right as viewed by the spectator.
4.
How do I position three flags together if one is Canada's, one
British Columbia's, and one is from a foreign country?
If you stand
facing the flags, Canada's flag should be in the centre, the flag
of the foreign country is to the left, and British Columbia's
flag is to the right, as follows:
example:
5.
How do I position three flags together if one is Canada's, one
British Columbia's, and one is a municipality?
If you stand
facing the flags, Canada's flag should be in the centre, British
Columbia's flag is to the left, and the municipal flag is to the
right, as follows:
example:
6.
When and why are the British Columbia flags lowered to half-mast?
Are there any occasions for which flags are automatically half-masted?
The Federal
Government and the provinces have established policies regarding
half-masting. This practice is not mandatory for individuals or
organizations, but is an adaptation of international usage and
reflects long-standing custom in Canada. It dictates that flags
across the country are automatically half-masted upon the death
of an immediate member of the Royal Family, and a current or former
Governor General or Prime Minister.
Flags in respective provinces are half-masted upon the death of
a current or former Lieutenant-Governor or Premier.
Other days upon which British Columbia flags are automatically
half-masted are:
· April 28 - Workers' Mourning Day
· Last Sunday in September - Police and Peace Officers'
National Memorial Day
· November 11 - Remembrance Day
· December 6 - National Day of Remembrance and Action
on Violence Against Women
Flags at individual ministry or regional facilities may be half-masted
in cases of lives lost while at work, or other tragic events,
at the discretion of the minister responsible.
For more information please see http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/berne-halfmasting/index_e.cfm
on the Internet.
7. How
do I address a provincial Cabinet minister or the Premier?
In writing, Cabinet ministers should be addressed
as:
The Honourable (first and last name, e.g. Peter Smith), M.L.A.,
Minister of (name of ministry here, e.g. Energy and Mines).
The salutation would be: Dear Minister.
The Premier
would be addressed as follows:
The Honourable Gordon Campbell, M.L.A.
Premier of British Columbia
The salutation would be: Dear Premier.
Please access
the following link for more detailed information regarding styles
of address: http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/pe/address1_e.cfm
8. Does the Premier retain the title "Honourable" after
leaving office? Do ministers?
The title "Honourable" is used only while
in office, unless he/she is a member of the Privy Council.
9.
How does one address a retired Federal Cabinet minister?
Federal Cabinet ministers retain the title "Honourable"
for life if they are also Privy Councillors.
For more information
on styles of address, please refer to the following: http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/pe/address1_e.cfm
10.
Where can I send a letter to the Queen?
Her Majesty
the Queen
Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA
United Kingdom
11.
How do I contact Canadian Embassies and Consulates overseas?
Refer to the
Consular Affairs section of the Department of Foreign Affairs
and International Trade at http://www.voyage.gc.ca/consular_home-en.asp
on the Internet.
12. Who
speaks first when a number of dignitaries are present at a ceremony?
To determine the speaking order at an event a variety of tools
can be used. One of those is the Table of Precedence - the established
order of people for official functions and events. Although the
basic order has been long established, the Table of Precedence
evolves over time to incorporate the recognition of more diverse
groups in our society.
Normally speeches are given in ascending order, with the most
important dignitary (according to the order of precedence established)
being the last to speak. The ribbon cutting, unveiling of a plaque
or model, opening of a building or inauguration of a factory normally
comes at the end of the series of speeches and momentum is created
by the speeches by the representatives of various participants,
in order of their relative importance. If the program for the
ceremony or activity places the important moment at the very beginning,
the speeches would then be given in descending order, with the
most important dignitary being the first to speak.
For and event
hosted by the Government of British Columbia, speaking order is
determinded by B.C.'s Order of Precedence, with some variation
depending upon the specific speakers. For assistance in determining
order of speaker's, please contact
us.
13. What
is the provincial flower?
The Pacific
dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) was adopted in 1956 as British Columbia's
floral emblem. The Pacific dogwood is a tree that grows six to
eight metres high and flowers in April and May. In the autumn
it is conspicuous for its cluster of bright red berries and brilliant
foliage. Access the following link for information on provincial
symbols: http://www.protocol.gov.bc.ca/protocol/prgs/symbols/symbols.htm
14.
Can anyone use the British Columbia Coat of Arms? How can I get
a copy?
The coat of arms requires permission, but the British Columbia
flower and flag are public domain. You must obtain permission
from the Protocol office by e-mail at protocol@gov.bc.ca.
For more information
on British Columbia's Coat of Arms, access the following link:
http://www.protocol.gov.bc.ca/protocol/prgs/symbols/coat_of_arms.htm
15.
How do I apply to use the initials B.C. in my company name?
Once you receive your name request authorization from the Registrar
of Companies (http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/registries/corppg/forms/0708BFILL.pdf),
( requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to open) you
must complete the application form (available on our Web site
at http://www.protocol.gov.bc.ca/protocol/prgs/symbols/symbols.htm#useofbc).
The use of the initials "B.C." or the words "British
Columbia" in a name is restricted by the Provincial Symbols
and Honours Act. The Act ensures that individuals or organizations
do not provide the impression of exercising a function of the
Government, when in fact there is no authority to do so.
