In September 1945, the government of Canada authorized the flying of the Canadian Red Ensign on government buildings inside or outside of Canada and on any occasion when it was thought desirable to fly a distinctive Canadian flag. This order was to remain in effect until parliament formally adopted a distinctive Canadian flag. In November 1945, Prime Minister Mackenzie King appointed a joint committee of the Senate and House of Commons to consider the question of a distinctive Canadian flag. Debate raged in the country and committee over retaining the Union Jack or rejecting it on the new flag. The committee finally recommended that the Canadian flag be the Red Ensign with a maple leaf in autumn gold colours in the fly. Faced with hostility in the country, Mackenzie King refused to accept the report because of the lack of unanimity on the committee and allowed the question of a distinctive flag to die.
