The Crown has been a symbol of the state in Canada for 400 years. Canada has been a constitutional monarchy since Confederation in 1867 during Queen Victoria's reign.
Queen Elizabeth II:
- • Queen of Canada since 1952
- • Golden Jubilee in 2002 (50 years)
- • Diamond Jubilee in 2012 (60 years)
- • The Crown symbolizes government, Parliament, courts, police, and Canadian Forces
Canadian Flag (1965)
New Canadian flag raised for first time in 1965. Red-white-red pattern from Royal Military College, Kingston (1876). Red and white were national colours since 1921.
Other Important Flags
- • Union Jack - Official Royal Flag
- • Canadian Red Ensign - Served as national flag for 100 years, carried by veterans since 2005
- • Provincial/Territorial flags - Embody distinct traditions
The Maple Leaf
Canada's best-known symbol. Adopted by French-Canadians in 1700s, appeared on uniforms since 1850s, carved into headstones of fallen soldiers.
The Fleur-de-lys
Lily flower adopted by French king in 496. Symbol of French royalty for 1,000+ years. Included in Canadian Red Ensign, Quebec flag (1948).
The Beaver
Adopted by Hudson's Bay Company. Emblem of St. Jean Baptiste Society (1834). Appears on five-cent coin, coats of arms of Saskatchewan, Alberta, Montreal, Toronto.
Coat of Arms & Motto
"A Mari Usque Ad Mare" (from sea to sea). Arms contain symbols of England, France, Scotland, Ireland, and red maple leaves.
O Canada
Proclaimed as national anthem in 1980. First sung in Quebec City in 1880.
O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command
With glowing hearts we see thee rise
The true North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada
We stand on guard for thee
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee
Royal Anthem
"God Save the Queen (or King)" can be played when Canadians wish to honour the Sovereign.
English and French are the two official languages and important symbols of identity. English speakers (Anglophones) and French speakers (Francophones) have lived together for more than 300 years.
Official Languages Act (1969) - Three Objectives:
- • Establish equality between French and English in Parliament and Government of Canada
- • Maintain and develop official language minority communities in Canada
- • Promote equality of French and English in Canadian society
Hockey
Canada's most popular spectator sport and national winter sport. Developed in Canada in 1800s. NHL plays for Stanley Cup (donated by Lord Stanley, 1892). Clarkson Cup for women's hockey.
Other Sports
- • Canadian Football - Second most popular
- • Lacrosse - Official summer sport, ancient Aboriginal game
- • Curling - Ice game from Scottish pioneers
- • Soccer - Most registered players
Order of Canada (1967)
Canada started its own honours system with the Order of Canada in 1967, the centennial of Confederation. Recognizes outstanding citizens.
Victoria Cross (V.C.)
Highest honour available to Canadians. Awarded for conspicuous bravery, daring acts of valour, or extreme devotion to duty. 96 Canadians awarded since 1854.
Major Holidays
- • New Year's Day - January 1
- • Good Friday - Before Easter
- • Victoria Day - Monday before May 25
- • Canada Day - July 1
- • Labour Day - First Monday September
- • Thanksgiving - Second Monday October
- • Remembrance Day - November 11
- • Christmas Day - December 25
Special Days
- • Sir John A. Macdonald Day - January 11
- • Vimy Day - April 9
- • Fête nationale (Quebec) - June 24
- • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day - November 20
- • Boxing Day - December 26
Best-known Canadian symbol
On 5-cent coin, industrious symbol
400-year symbol of state
National winter sport
English and French official
- • Know the national symbols (maple leaf, beaver, crown)
- • Learn about the Canadian flag and its history
- • Understand the two official languages
- • Know the national anthem and royal anthem
- • Remember major holidays and special days
- • Learn about Canadian sports and honours