Apprpriate dress for ceremonial occasion

[TheOfficialBren]

The OP is officially representing the Country of Canada, the Kilt is not the National Dress of Canada, that is what I am saying. It is not just the tartan that the OP is referring to in this issue. I am not saying that the maple leaf tartan does not represent Canada. I am not saying that a person representing themself or their organisation should not wear the kilt. I am not saying you cannot wear the maple leaf tartan on the day. What I am mystified about is that a person representing the Canadian government at an official function would want to wear the national dress of another country. I would have the same query to a person who was a representative of the Canadian Goverment who would want to wear the Greek Foustanella/Tsolias to the ceremony. I totally agree that the kilt is a Scottish icon for any number of countries, but still does not make it right that a person representing the Canadian Goverment to wear the National dress of another country to an official event. Please seperate the tartan and the kilt. It is not the tartan that I see as being incorrect it is the method of wearing it in this circumstance i.e. as a kilt

Mike, it sounds like the OP wrote to the appropriate official organisation and received the official go-ahead to wear his kilt in the official Canadian tartan as recognised by the Canadian government. Canada's Scots make up a very large portion of the population and have contribute much to the nation's history...the first PM was Scottish-born!
There are Highland regiments in the Canadian Armed Forces. Kilted regiments from Canada have defended their nation wearing kilts!

Gaelic is a living language in parts of Canada. Scottish culture is alive and well in Canada, arguably moreso than in parts of Scotland today.

Like it or not the kilt began as a Scottish symbol (and still is, very much, first and fore-most Scotland's national dress) but has evolved to represent more than just Scotland but rather all Scots regardless of their nationality. Yes, a people's nationality and culture are two entirely different things. You're an Australian of Scottish heritage, as I understand. Australia has kilted regiments (Citizen's Brigades, if I recall correctly, and ar least five Regular Army units who were kilted for ceremony but took to the field in shorts during WWII) and Scottish-Australian organisations (military and civilian), do they not? Why the rub, sir?

I don't mean to come down so hard but goodness, man, what is the deal here?!