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The Maple Leaf Garland

See also

Governor General (Canada)
Lieutenant Governors (text)

Garlands on Union Jacks

Sometimes called a "wreath" but that is just an alternative name for a "garland".

Garlands around badges emblazoned in the centre of Union Jacks were instituted by an Order in Council of 7th August 1869.

"... Union Jack to be displayed by the Military Branch of your Majesty's Service on such occasions shall bear in the centre thereof, as a distinguishing mark, the Royal Initials surrounded by a garland on a blue Shield, ....".

The accompanying drawing shows a garland, similar to the sort of wreath/garland worn on the head as a sign of honour in Classical times. This was changed in 1874 to a simpler design; clusters of three leaves alternating with two red berries, tied at the base with a blue ribbon.

There were one or two attempts at individuality.

Prince Edward Island submitted a design with a garland of thistles, shamrock and roses;
British Columbia's had laurel on one side and oak on the other;
British Honduras a garland of what were probably mahogany leaves that completely covered the space between the edges of the ornamental shield and the normal position of the garland.

I think they were just proposals and not approved for use.

A maple leaf garland tied with a gold ribbon was authorized for the Governor-General of Canada by the Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1870. This was extended to Lieutenant-Governors of Canadian Provinces. (Not Newfoundland which did not become a Province of Canada until 1949 and as far as I know retained the laurel garland until 1987 when the current blue Lieutenant-Governor's flag was adopted).

Maple-leaf garlands:-