Table of Contents Show
Are you interested in knowing the backstory of the Canadian provincial flags and symbols?
When we hear of Canada, certain symbols or icons directly come to our minds, such as hockey or the beavers. Because these are a few of what represent Canada, they are known as Canada’s official symbols.
Another such symbol that represents Canada is the national flag of Canada. Other than the national Canadian flag, the Canadian provincial flags and symbols represent a larger part of Canada.
Each one of Canada’s provinces has its flags and symbols. These wide varieties of Canadian provincial flags help represent every aspect of Canadian history and culture.
Canadian Provincial Flags & Symbols: Everything You Need To Know
The provinces of Canada each have their own unique symbols that represent their history, identity, and dignity. These symbols are often displayed on the provincial flag and serve as a representation of the values, aspirations, and people of the province or territory.
Additionally, the flora and fauna of each province are also often incorporated into the design of the flag. Each flag has its own unique backstory and history, and this article will provide an overview of the flags and symbols of each Canadian province and territory.
1. Alberta
1.1 Coat of arms
The coat of arms of Alberta was first granted in 1907.
The symbols in the coat of arms represent Alberta’s historical heritage. It consists of five elements, the crest, supporters, shield, base, and motto. Together these five make up the complete coat of arms, and each has its significance.
The base portrays Alberta’s varied landscapes with wild roses, which happen to be the official flower of Alberta. And the supporters lie on either side, which is a lion and a pronghorn antelope.
1.2 Flag
The design for Alberta’s flag was authorized in 1967 and was officially adopted a year after that on June 1, 1968. The background of the flag is royal ultramarine blue background with the coat of arms right in the center.
The flag has the proportions of 1:2, 2 by length, and 1 by width. The top of the crest has featured
a symbol of England, the Cross of St. George.
2. British Columbia
2.1 Coat of arms
The coat of arms of British Columbia reflects the local symbols of BC. At first, it only consisted of the shield.
The shield features the union flag and a half-sun in the bottom setting into three blue waves. The blue waves represent the Pacific Ocean, and the sun signifies BC as the most westerly province.
Two supporters on either side of the shield are a wapiti stag and a bighorn sheep. And the top of the shield stands a golden lion wearing a garland of the provincial flower.
2.2 Flag
The flag of British Columbia was designed during the activist reign in 1960. The flag’s design is nearly similar to the design of the province’s shield.
The rising sun on the flag symbolizes ‘how the sun never sets on the British Empire’. The flag is topped with the Royal Union Flag and a crown in the center. The Union flag represents British heritage, and the crown symbolizes British Columbia becoming a crown colony.
3. Manitoba
The next province on the list of Canadian provincial flags & symbols is Manitoba.
3.1 Coat of arms
The coat of arms of Manitoba features the original shield in between with two supporters on either side. It was originally granted in 1905 and later augmented in 1992.
The shield features the Cross of St. George and a buffalo standing over a rock. The two supporters are a unicorn and a white horse, representing the province’s early Scottish settlers and the First Peoples.
3.2 Flag
The flag of Manitoba was first granted for use in 1965. The flag is quite similar to the Canadian Red Ensign. And it consists of its provincial shield on the right fly-half and the Royal Union Flag on the upper left end.
4. New Brunswick
Next on Canadian provincial flags & symbols is New Brunswick.
4.1 Coat of arms
The coat of arms of New Brunswick was officially registered in 1989 and is a symbol of the province’s history, identity, and dignity. The shield in the center of the coat of arms features a ship, which is a reference to the province’s strong shipping industries.
The ship is flanked on either side by white-tailed deer, which are native to the province. The deer are depicted as supporters, holding up the shield. The motto of the coat of arms is “SPEM REDUXIT” which is Latin for “Hope was restored”. This motto likely refers to the province’s overcoming of challenges in its history and the resilience and determination of its people.
The coat of arms is a symbol of the province’s rich history and culture, as well as its natural resources. It serves as a reminder of the province’s past and a symbol of hope for its future.
4.2 Flag
The design of the flag is entirely based on the coat of arms. The flag consists of a golden lion at the top representing New Brunswick’s relationship to the Duchy of Brunswick and England.
And the ship below it represents the shipping and shipbuilding activities. To know more about the symbols, you may click here.
5. Northwest Territories
And next is the Northwest Territories for the list of Canadian provincial flags & symbols.
5.1 Coat of arms
The arms of Northwest Territories were granted in 1956 and represented the geography of the province. The upper white portion crossed by a wavy blue line symbolizes the polar ice pack and the Northwest Passage.
The lower portion is divided into two green and red areas, representing the forested areas and the tundra to the north.
5.2 Flag
The Northwest Territories flag consists of a coat of arms in the middle with blue panels on either side of the flag. The blue panels symbolize the waters and lakes of the territories of Canada.
The background of the arms is a white panel representing the snow and ice of the North.
6. Nova Scotia
Next is Nova Scotia, on the list of Canadian provincial flags & symbols.
6.1 Coat of arms
The Nova Scotia coat of arms is the oldest of any province or territorial flag or symbol. It was granted back in 1625. The arms feature the cross of St. Andrew in blue and white and the shield of the Royal Arms of Scotland.
On either side of the shield stands a unicorn and an aboriginal person symbolizing the native Indian population.
6.2 Flag
Nova Scotia’s flag is an extension of its provincial shield present in the ancient coat of arms. And the flag was authorized in 1929.
7. Prince Edward Island
Next on the list of Canadian provincial flags & symbols we have is Prince Edward Island.
7.1 Coat of arms
The coat of arms is based on the design of the first seal of the province. The shield in the middle displays three saplings representing the three counties, and the large Oak tree represents the Oak of England.
The supporters are two silver foxes symbolizing the importance of fur farming in the province.
7.2 Flag
However, the flag is a rectangular extension of the coat of arms with borders on three of its sides by bands of red and white in an alternate fashion. And it was granted in the year 1905.
Closing Thoughts
In Canada, each province and territory has its own unique set of symbols that represent its history, identity, and dignity. These symbols can be found on the provincial flag and coat of arms, as well as other official emblems such as flowers, animals, and plants.
All 7 Canadian provincial boast their own distinctive flag and even their own flag are un official flag, The most fan favourites are the prince edward island flag, Manitoba flag, labrador flag, territorial flags, nova scotia flag and maple leaf flag.
And coat of arms, each with its own backstory and history. The flags and coat of arms often feature symbols that are specific to the province, such as its industry, wildlife, and natural resources.
Apart from flags and coats of arms, each province and territory also has its own unique set of symbols that represent it. These can include official flowers, animals, and plants, each with its own significance and meaning. For example, the official flower of Quebec is the blue flag iris, while the official animal of Alberta is the bighorn sheep.
In conclusion, each Canadian province and territory has its own unique set of symbols that represent its history, identity, and dignity. These symbols can be found on the provincial flag and coat of arms, as well as other official emblems such as flowers, animals, and plants. The flags and coat of arms often feature symbols that are specific to the province, such as its industry, wildlife, and natural resources.
These symbols serve as a reminder of the province’s past and a symbol of hope for its future. Overall, these symbols are a representation of the province’s values, aspirations, people, and natural resources. It’s worth knowing and understanding the significance of these symbols and flags as it helps to appreciate the diversity in Canada.
Last Updated on by Milan Maity
