Canadian Symbols
The Canadian Crown
Symbol of the state for 400+ years.
Represents:
- Parliament.
- Courts.
- Police.
- Canadian Forces.
Canada has been a constitutional monarchy since 1867 (Queen Victoria’s reign).
Queen Elizabeth II became Queen of Canada in 1952 (Diamond Jubilee in 2012).
King Charles III has been the King of Canada since 2022.
Flags in Canada
The current flag (red & white maple leaf) was adopted in 1965.
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Red & White had been the colors of France and England since the Middle Ages.
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Also National colours of Canada since 1921.
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The pattern comes from the flag of the Royal Military College, Kingston.
Union Jack - Royal Flag.
Canadian Red Ensign – former flag for ~100 years, still used by veterans since 2005.
Each province/territory has its own flag.
The Maple Leaf
Canada's most recognized symbol.
Adopted by French Canadians in the 1700s.
Appeared on military insignia, headstones, and the national flag since the 1850s.
Fleur-de-lys (Lily Flower)
Symbol of French royalty for over 1,000 years (adopted by the French king in the year 496).
Quebec’s flag (since 1948) features the fleur-de-lys.
Coat of Arms & Motto
Created after WWI to express national pride.
Motto: "A mari usque ad mare" — “From sea to sea” (Latin).
Arms include symbols of England, France, Scotland, Ireland, and maple leaves.
Found on:
- Currency.
- Government documents.
- Public buildings.
Parliament Buildings
Reflect French, English, and Aboriginal traditions.
Buildings were completed in the 1860s.
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The Centre Block burned in 1916; rebuilt in 1922 (the library is the only original part remaining).
The Peace Tower (1927) honors WWI.
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The Memorial Chamber holds the Books of Remembrance.
Popular Sports
Hockey - National winter sport, most popular spectator sport.
- Stanley Cup (By Lord Stanley in 1892) - National Hockey League.
- Clarkson Cup (By Adrienne Clarkson in 2005) – for women’s hockey.
Ice Hockey - Developed in Canada in the 1800s.
Canadian football – 2nd most popular.
Curling (Ice game) – from Scottish pioneers.
Lacrosse – official summer sport (first played by Aboriginals).
Soccer – the most registered players of any game in Canada.
The Beaver
Symbol of:
- Hudson’s Bay Company.
- St. Jean Baptiste Society (French-Canadian patriotic association in 1834).
Appears on:
- 5-cent coin.
- Coats of Arms of Saskatchewan, Alberta, Montreal, Toronto.
Official Languages
English and French are the official languages (important symbols of identity).
Official Languages Act (1969):
- Ensures equality of both languages in Parliament.
- Supports minority language communities.
- Promotes bilingualism in society.
You must have adequate knowledge of English or French to become Canadian.
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Exemption: Adults 55 years of age or over
Anthems
National Anthem: O Canada
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First sung in 1880 (In Québec City), became official in 1980.
Royal Anthem: God Save the King/Queen
Sung to honor the Sovereign.
Honours and Awards
Order of Canada
- Created in 1967 (centennial of Confederation)
- Recognizes outstanding service to the country
Victoria Cross (V.C.)
- The highest military honour for bravery in the presence of the enemy.
- Awarded to 99 Canadians since 1854.
Notable Recipients:
- Lieutenant Alexander Roberts Dunn – first Canadian V.C.
- Able Seaman William Hall of Horton – the first Black Canadian recipient.
- Corporal Filip Konowal – first V.C. recipient not born in the British Empire.
- Captain Billy Bishop – WWI flying ace (Air Marshal of the Royal Canadian Air Force).
- Captain Paul Triquet of Cabano – WWII hero in Italy.
- Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray – WWII navy pilot.
National Public Holidays & Key Dates
New Year’s Day - January 1.
Sir John A. Macdonald Day - January 11.
Good Friday - Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday.
Easter Monday - Monday immediately following Easter Sunday.
Vimy Day - April 9.
Victoria Day - Monday preceding May 25 (Queen Victoria’s birthday).
Fête nationale (Quebec) - June 24 (Feast of St. John the Baptist).
Canada Day - July 1.
Labour Day - First Monday of September.
Thanksgiving Day - Second Monday of October.
Remembrance Day - November 11.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day - November 20.
Christmas Day - December 25.
Boxing Day - December 26.