I recall that Scott Joplin wrote (among others) "The Maple Leaf Rag" - any connection [to the Canadian symbol]?

Durn good question -- but as far as I can find, no connection. One source states that the song title has nothing to do with Canada, but refers to the tavern where Joplin wrote the tune.

http://www.canoe.ca/MusicHistoryApril/april01.html
http://mmd.foxtail.com/Archives/Digests/199709/1997.09.08.05.html

P.S.: Sparteye, do you have a piano?