Proposed logos for Canada’s sesquicentennial look like they were designed in the nineties

What the focus groups liked: Some study participants viewed the use of blue as a welcome nod to Quebec. What the focus groups hated: Others saw an unfortunate resemblance to a hockey puck. (Doesn’t everything that’s circular resemble a hockey puck?) We Say: It looks like something that would be stamped on a package of federally inspected meat. Next.

What the focus groups liked: Participants thought the shape of the logo imbued it with strength and pride. What the focus groups hated: Where some saw strength, others saw “aggression.” We Say: Probably a little too firefightery.

What the focus groups liked: The fact that the 13 maple leafs symbolize Canada’s 13 provinces and territories. What the focus groups hated: Some participants found this logo “boring.” We Say: Do we not have the budget for more than three colours? Here, by way of comparison, is the logo Stuart Ash designed for Canada’s Centennial, in 1967.

What the focus groups liked: This design, some participants felt, is “clearly identifiable as Canadian.” What the focus groups hated: Others found the red “aggressive.” We Say: A red maple leaf with some words underneath it is a little too easy.

What the focus groups liked: The fireworks. What the focus groups hated: The fireworks. We Say: No fireworks, please.