Behind by a century: Parliament Hill flag program still has a waitlist exceeding 100 years

Maury Rubin was in high school when he heard in class that anyone can receive one of the Canada flags they change out on Parliament Hill, free of charge. He was intrigued: How can every Canadian get one? How often are they changing these flags? Back then, his estimated wait was about 20 years. It seemed far away for a teenager living in his parents’ house in Markham, Ont., but also realistic enough of a timeline, so he applied, because why not?

Twelve years later, now living on his own in Toronto, his parents messaged him in 2022 and said you’ll never guess what showed up at their house.