Canadian Symbols

Canadian Citizenship Study Notes

What Are Canadian Symbols?

Canada has many important symbols - objects, events and people that have special meaning. Together they help explain what it means to be Canadian and express our national identity.

The Canadian Crown

The Crown has been a symbol of the state in Canada for 400 years.

  • Canada has been a constitutional monarchy in its own right since Confederation in 1867.
  • The Crown is a symbol of government, including Parliament, legislatures, courts, police services and the Canadian Forces.

Flags in Canada

The Canadian flag was first raised in 1965.

Red & White

National colours of Canada since 1921.

Union Jack

Canada's official Royal Flag.

Canadian Red Ensign

Served as the Canadian flag for about 100 years.

Provincial & Territorial Flags

Embody their distinct traditions.

The red-white-red pattern comes from the flag of the Royal Military College, Kingston, founded in 1876.

The Maple Leaf

Canada's best-known symbol

  • Adopted as a symbol by French Canadians in the 1700s.
  • Appeared on Canadian uniforms and insignia since the 1850s.
  • Carved into headstones of fallen Canadian soldiers.

The Fleur-de-Lys

The fleur-de-lys became a symbol of French royalty for more than 1,000 years, including New France.

  • Revived at Confederation.
  • Included in the Canadian Red Ensign.
  • In 1948, Quebec adopted its own flag based on the Cross and fleur-de-lys.

Coat of Arms & Motto

A mari usque ad mare

Latin for "from sea to sea."

After the First World War, Canada adopted an official coat of arms and national motto. The arms contain symbols of England, France, Scotland and Ireland and red maple leaves.

They can be seen on dollar bills, government documents and public buildings.

Parliament Buildings

  • Completed in the 1860s.
  • Centre Block destroyed by accidental fire in 1916.
  • Rebuilt in 1922.
  • The Library is the only part of the original building remaining.
  • Peace Tower completed in 1927 in memory of the First World War.
  • Memorial Chamber contains the Books of Remembrance with names of those who died serving Canada.

Popular Sports

Hockey

Canada's most popular spectator sport and national winter sport. Developed in Canada in the 1800s.

Football

Second most popular sport.

Curling

An ice game introduced by Scottish pioneers.

Lacrosse

Ancient sport first played by Aboriginals; official summer sport.

Soccer

Has the most registered players of any game in Canada.

  • Stanley Cup: NHL championship; donated by Lord Stanley in 1892.
  • Clarkson Cup: Established in 2005 by Adrienne Clarkson for women's hockey.

The Beaver

Historic Canadian symbol

Adopted centuries ago as a symbol of the Hudson's Bay Company.

  • Emblem of the St. Jean Baptiste Society in 1834.
  • Appears on the five-cent coin.
  • Appears on coats of arms of Saskatchewan and Alberta and cities such as Montreal and Toronto.

Canada's Official Languages

English and French are Canada's two official languages and important symbols of identity.

Citizenship language requirement: Adequate knowledge of English or French is required to become a Canadian citizen. Adult applicants 55 years of age or over are exempted from this requirement.

Official Languages Act - 1969

  1. Establish equality between French and English in Parliament, the Government of Canada and institutions subject to the Act.
  2. Maintain and develop official language minority communities.
  3. Promote equality of French and English in Canadian society.

Canadian Honours

Official awards are called honours, consisting of orders, decorations and medals.

Canada began its own honours system with the Order of Canada in 1967, the centennial of Confederation.

Canadians may nominate fellow citizens they believe are worthy of recognition.

The Victoria Cross

Highest honour available to Canadians

Awarded for conspicuous bravery, a daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.


The guide states that the V.C. has been awarded to 96 Canadians since 1854.

Alexander Roberts Dunn

First Canadian awarded the V.C.; Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava, 1854.

William Hall

First Black man awarded the V.C.; Siege of Lucknow, 1857.

Filip Konowal

Born in Ukraine; V.C. for exceptional courage at Hill 70, 1917.

Billy Bishop

Canadian flying ace; V.C. during the First World War.

Paul Triquet

V.C. for leadership at Casa Berardi, Italy, 1943.

Robert Hampton Gray

Navy pilot; last Canadian to receive the V.C. to date, August 1945.

National Public Holidays & Important Dates

Jan 1
New Year's Day
Jan 11
Sir John A. Macdonald Day
Good Friday
Friday before Easter Sunday
Easter Monday
Monday after Easter Sunday
Apr 9
Vimy Day
Monday preceding May 25
Victoria Day
Jun 24
Fete nationale (Quebec)
Jul 1
Canada Day
First Monday of September
Labour Day
Second Monday of October
Thanksgiving Day
Nov 11
Remembrance Day
Nov 20
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day
Dec 25
Christmas Day
Dec 26
Boxing Day

Quick Memorization Sheet

Best-known symbol

Maple Leaf

Animal symbol

Beaver

Five-cent coin.

Official languages

English + French

Official Languages Act -> 1969.

National motto

A mari usque ad mare

"From sea to sea."

Highest honour

Victoria Cross

Honours system

Order of Canada -> 1967

Must-Know Dates
  • 1834 - Beaver became an emblem of the St. Jean Baptiste Society.
  • 1892 - Stanley Cup donated by Lord Stanley.
  • 1921 - Red and white became Canada's national colours.
  • 1948 - Quebec adopted its flag based on the Cross and fleur-de-lys.
  • 1965 - Canadian flag first raised.
  • 1967 - Order of Canada established.
  • 1969 - Official Languages Act passed.
  • 2005 - Clarkson Cup established.