Discover Canada study notes: Canadian Symbols
This chapter explains the symbols that represent Canada, from the Crown and the flag to the beaver, hockey and national holidays. Here are the main ideas and the facts most likely to be on the citizenship test.
What Canadian symbols are
A national symbol is an object, person or event with a special meaning for a country. Canada's symbols express what it means to be Canadian.
The Crown
For about 400 years, the Crown has been a symbol of the Canadian state. Canada has been a constitutional monarchy in its own right since Confederation in 1867, when Queen Victoria was on the throne. The Crown stands for government, including Parliament, the courts, police and the Canadian Forces.
Update: The printed guide describes Queen Elizabeth II as the Sovereign (she became Queen in 1952). The guide's version is older. Today Canada's Sovereign is King Charles III.
Flags
The Canadian flag with the red maple leaf was first raised in 1965. Its red-white-red design comes from the flag of the Royal Military College in Kingston, which was founded in 1876. Red and white became Canada's national colours in 1921.
- The Canadian Red Ensign was used as a national flag for about 100 years.
- The Union Jack is Canada's official Royal Flag.
The maple leaf and the fleur-de-lys
The maple leaf is Canada's best-known symbol. French-Canadians began using it in the 1700s. Since the 1850s it has appeared on Canadian uniforms, and it is carved on soldiers' gravestones.
The fleur-de-lys (a lily flower) is said to have been chosen by a French king in the year 496. It was a symbol of French royalty for more than 1,000 years. In 1948, Quebec adopted its own flag, based on a cross and the fleur-de-lys.
Coat of arms and motto
After the First World War, Canada adopted an official coat of arms and a motto: A Mari Usque Ad Mare, a Latin phrase meaning "from sea to sea." The arms show symbols of England, France, Scotland and Ireland, plus red maple leaves.
The Parliament Buildings
The Parliament Buildings in Ottawa were finished in the 1860s. They mix French, English and Aboriginal traditions in the Gothic Revival style. A fire destroyed the Centre Block in 1916; it was rebuilt in 1922. The Peace Tower was completed in 1927 to remember the First World War. Its Memorial Chamber holds the Books of Remembrance, listing Canadians who died serving the country.
Popular sports
- Hockey is Canada's most popular spectator sport and its national winter sport. NHL teams play for the Stanley Cup, given by Governor General Lord Stanley in 1892. The Clarkson Cup for women's hockey was created in 2005 by Adrienne Clarkson, the 26th Governor General.
- Canadian football is the second most popular sport.
- Curling was brought by Scottish pioneers.
- Lacrosse, first played by Aboriginal peoples, is the official summer sport.
- Soccer has more registered players than any other sport.
The beaver
The beaver was a symbol of the Hudson's Bay Company centuries ago. In 1834 it became the emblem of the St. Jean Baptiste Society, a French-Canadian patriotic group. Today it is on the five-cent coin and the coats of arms of Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Official languages
English and French are Canada's two official languages. The Official Languages Act was passed in 1969. It makes English and French equal in the federal government and supports official-language minority communities. Citizenship applicants need adequate English or French; adults 55 and older are exempt.
National and royal anthems
O Canada became the national anthem in 1980. It was first sung in Quebec City in 1880. English and French versions have different words. The royal anthem, God Save the King (or Queen), can be played or sung to honour the Sovereign.
Honours and the Victoria Cross
Canada used British honours for many years. It created its own system with the Order of Canada in 1967, the 100th anniversary of Confederation.
The Victoria Cross (V.C.) is the highest honour for Canadians. It rewards great bravery facing the enemy. Since 1854, 96 Canadians have received it, including:
- Alexander Roberts Dunn – first Canadian to receive it (Charge of the Light Brigade, Crimean War, 1854).
- William Hall of Nova Scotia – first Black person to receive it (Siege of Lucknow, 1857).
- Robert Hampton Gray of British Columbia – navy pilot killed in August 1945; the last Canadian to receive the V.C.
National holidays and important dates
- New Year's Day – January 1
- Sir John A. Macdonald Day – January 11
- Vimy Day – April 9
- Victoria Day – Monday before May 25 (the Sovereign's birthday)
- Fête Nationale (Quebec) – June 24
- Canada Day – July 1
- Labour Day – first Monday of September; Thanksgiving – second Monday of October
- Remembrance Day – November 11
- Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day – November 20
- Christmas Day – December 25; Boxing Day – December 26
Key facts to remember
- Canada has been a constitutional monarchy since Confederation in 1867; the current Sovereign is King Charles III.
- The maple leaf flag was first raised in 1965.
- Canada's motto: A Mari Usque Ad Mare ("from sea to sea").
- Peace Tower completed in 1927.
- Stanley Cup donated in 1892; Clarkson Cup created in 2005.
- Hockey = national winter sport; lacrosse = official summer sport.
- Official Languages Act: 1969.
- O Canada proclaimed national anthem in 1980.
- Order of Canada created in 1967.
- Victoria Cross: highest honour; 96 Canadians since 1854.
- Canada Day July 1; Remembrance Day November 11; Vimy Day April 9.