Canadian Symbols

The Crown has been a symbol of the state in Canada for 400 years. Canada is a constitutional monarchy, and the Crown appears on medals, badges of the armed forces, police forces and coats of arms — a reminder of the country's history and system of government.

The new Canadian flag was raised for the first time in 1965. It is red and white — Canada's official colours — with a red maple leaf on a white square between two red borders. Before 1965, Canadians flew the Union Jack, known officially as the Royal Union Flag, which is still flown on certain occasions to mark Canada's ties to the Crown.

"O Canada" is the national anthem, and "God Save the King" is the royal anthem. Canada's official motto, found on the coat of arms, is "A Mari Usque Ad Mare" — Latin for "from sea to sea".

The beaver, an emblem of the Hudson's Bay Company from the fur trade era, appears on the five-cent coin and on the coats of arms of Saskatchewan and Alberta. The maple leaf has been a Canadian symbol since the 1700s and appears on the flag, on coins and on the uniforms of Canadian soldiers. The Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, built in the Victorian High Gothic style, include the Peace Tower, completed in 1927 in memory of the First World War.

Canada has two official sports: ice hockey is the official winter sport and lacrosse, a game with Indigenous origins, is the official summer sport. Important public holidays include Canada Day on July 1 (the anniversary of Confederation in 1867), Victoria Day in late May for the Sovereign's birthday, and Remembrance Day on November 11, when Canadians wear the red poppy to remember the sacrifices of veterans and the fallen.

Canada also has its own system of honours. The Order of Canada, established in 1967, recognizes outstanding citizens. The highest honour a Canadian can receive is the Victoria Cross (V.C.), awarded for the most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy.