![]() ![]() In 1868 the original provinces - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Québec and Ontario - received arms by a royal warrant that also provided for a great seal of Canada, a shield bearing the arms of the four provinces. They also appeared on government seals and coins.Īt Confederation in 1867 no arms were assigned to the new Dominion of Canada. In New France, they were exhibited on city gates, forts and important buildings, including churches and public places. Like the British use of their arms, the royal arms of France (three gold fleurs-de-lis on blue) were consistently displayed at land claiming ceremonies beginning with Jacques Cartier in 1534. Some examples of the royal arms have survived in courthouses, post offices and Anglican churches. They adorned the seals used in the Canadian colonies and the medals awarded to Aboriginal chiefs by British sovereigns. The British continued to display the royal arms at land claims, such as Sir Humphrey Gilbert’s ceremony claiming Newfoundland in 1583. Beginning in 1340, the fleurs-de-lis occupied the most important quarters of both the royal banner and arms (i.e., coat of arms) to express England’s claim to the throne of France. When John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto) landed on the coast of North America on St John the Baptist Day, 24 June 1497, he formally took possession of the surrounding territory in the name of King Henry VII of England by raising a large cross and the royal banner, which then contained the three gold fleurs-de-lis of France on a blue field and the three gold lions of England on red, both repeated twice. Today they include such national symbols as the beaver and the maple leaf. Since then, Canada’s emblems have evolved out of those traditionally used by France and Britain. When John Cabot arrived on the shores of North America in 1497, he raised a cross and the royal banner of England. Flag of Canada (artwork by Karen Bailey).Įmblems of Canada include the national coat of arms and flag. ![]()
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