Royal Regina Rifles colours return to Saskatchewan legislature after nearly 50 years

The Royal Regina Rifles’ regimental colours returned to public display at Saskatchewan’s Legislative Building in Regina on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, nearly 50 years after they were moved out of the building. Eight flags representing four battalions were hung in the rotunda, 980 CJME reported.

The flags had been kept at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Regina since 1977. They were removed from the cathedral for renovations in 2024, according to Global News and CJME. Their return makes the colours publicly viewable at the legislature again, Global News reported.

How the colours came back to the legislature

Regimental colours are ceremonial flags rooted in a British military tradition retained by Canada after Confederation. Historically, they marked a rallying point for troops in battle, Global News reported. CJME said these colours accompanied soldiers in Europe during the First World War. The flags’ return puts objects tied to the regiment’s wartime history back in the public building where they were displayed for decades.

Veteran and officials mark the flags’ return

John Watson, identified by both outlets as the last surviving Royal Regina Rifles member who served in the Second World War, attended the return. ‘To see the colours back where they were, it’s a great thing,’ he told reporters, according to Global News. CJME reported that Watson stood at a salute during the national anthem.

Premier Scott Moe said the return felt appropriate and described the colours as a reminder of Saskatchewan residents’ respect for military service, Global News reported. Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Barry, the regiment’s commanding officer, called the flags treasured possessions of the soldiers and their regiments. Provincial military liaison Blaine McLeod told CJME they would remain on display in the rotunda for as long as possible.