I think this is a Canadian thing. Friends who emigrated to Nelson BC comment on how in the library, every book by a Canadian author has a maple leaf on the spine. Canada seems to have a bit of an underdog complex about maintaining its cultural identity in the shadow of its neighbor. The museum in Nanaimo has a whole shrine dedicated to famous Canadian entertainers...such as Loverboy and Bryan Adams. They also have a very comprehensive and delightful display covering the gem of Canadian desserts, the Nanaimo Bar.