Coat of arms of Canada
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| Coat of arms of Canada | |
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| Name | Coat of arms of Canada |
| Year adopted | 1921; augmented 1957 |
| Armiger | King of Canada |
| Crest | A crowned lion passant guardant holding a maple leaf |
| Motto | A Mari Usque Ad Mare |
Coat of arms of Canada is the official heraldic emblem representing the Canadian monarch and state, employed by the Crown, the Parliament, and national institutions. It functions as a visual symbol in federal insignia, diplomatic missions, and legal instruments, reflecting historical ties to United Kingdom, France, Scotland, Ireland, and the development of Canadian identity through royal commissions and statutory instruments. The achievement has been altered by royal proclamation and parliamentary authorization, involving figures such as King George V, Queen Elizabeth II, and ministers in Ottawa.
History
The origins trace to post-Confederation discussions involving politicians from Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick alongside British officials in London and advisors from the College of Arms and the Lyon Court. Debates among members of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom and Canadian representatives culminated in a grant by King George V in 1921, following recommendations from heralds including officers of the College of Arms. In 1957 the arms were augmented by Queen Elizabeth II after consultations with Canadian heraldic authorities and cabinet ministers, reflecting evolving ties to the Crown and Canadian symbols associated with premiers such as those from Alberta and British Columbia. Throughout the 20th century, the arms were discussed in parliamentary debates in House of Commons of Canada committees and featured in ceremonies presided over by figures like William Lyon Mackenzie King and John Diefenbaker.
Design and Symbolism
The shield combines quarterings representing dynastic and historical connections: the three lions of England, the lion rampant of Scotland, the harp of Ireland, and the fleurs-de-lis of France, accompanied by three maple leaves signifying Canada; these devices echo armorial bearings referenced by heralds such as officers of the College of Arms and the Lord Lyon King of Arms. The crest—a crowned lion holding a maple leaf—invokes the British Crown and national flora recognized by explorers like Samuel de Champlain and statesmen from Quebec City. Supporters include the unicorn of Scotland and the lion of England, each adorned with badges reflecting the military heritage of regiments such as the Royal Canadian Regiment and honours connected to campaigns like the Second World War and battles involving Canadian forces in Vimy Ridge. The compartment features floral emblems from provinces linked to figures like John A. Macdonald and George-Étienne Cartier, while the motto "A Mari Usque Ad Mare" derives from the Book of Psalms and was popularized during national discussions involving MPs and senators.
Legal Status and Usage
Legal authority for the arms stems from royal proclamation and continues under statutes administered in Ottawa and promulgated by the Crown in Council; instruments relating to use are enforced by departments associated with the Prime Minister and by offices connected to institutions such as the Supreme Court of Canada and federal ministries. Usage guidelines govern application by diplomatic missions in capitals like Washington, D.C., Paris, and London, and by official bodies including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and universities such as the University of Toronto when authorized. Unauthorized commercial appropriation has prompted actions referencing intellectual property frameworks and administrative correspondence involving the Department of Justice and federal cultural portfolios. Display in international forums involves protocols similar to those used by delegations to organizations including the United Nations and North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Variants and Adaptations
Official variants include the Great Arms, the shield alone used on passports, and simplified emblems for use by federal agencies and cultural institutions like the National Gallery of Canada. Adaptations have been commissioned for commemorative medals associated with events such as centennial celebrations, royal visits by members of the British Royal Family, and jubilee medals. Provincial arms and municipal coats—granted by the College of Arms or the Lord Lyon King of Arms or created by provincial executive councils in places like Manitoba and Nova Scotia—sometimes echo elements of the federal achievement while remaining distinct under heraldic law. Artistic reinterpretations appear in works by Canadian artists exhibited at institutions such as the Canadian Museum of History and in publications by historians affiliated with universities like McGill University and University of British Columbia.
Heraldic Elements and Blazon
The formal blazon describes quarterly first three lions passant guardant of England, second a lion rampant within a double tressure flory counter-flory of Scotland, third a harp of Ireland stringed, fourth three fleurs-de-lis for France, and enté en point three maple leaves conjoined on one stem for Canada. The crest, supporters, compartment, and motto are specified using terminology established by the College of Arms and the Court of the Lord Lyon, employed in grants to crowns and states including those involving monarchs such as King Edward VII and heralds like Sir Algar Howard. The arms incorporate tinctures and charges consistent with armorial conventions observed in grants to institutions such as the Royal Society of Canada and military honours like the Victoria Cross.
Manufacture and Display Protocols
Production of physical representations follows standards used by governmental workshops and commercial manufacturers supplying embassies, including embossment for official stationery, casting for seals used by the Privy Council Office, and enamel work for regalia worn at ceremonies held in venues like Rideau Hall and the Parliament Buildings. Display protocols dictate positioning in chambers such as the Senate chamber and in venues hosting heads of state including those from France, United States, and United Kingdom, and are overseen by offices connected to the Governor General and the Department of Canadian Heritage. Flag protocols and reproduction standards are taught in training for staff of institutions like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and in guidelines distributed to archivists at the Library and Archives Canada.