The Emblems of Canada

1. The Emblems of Canada

2. Canada – The Name • In 1535, explorer Jacques Cartier heard the word “kanata”. • It was used to refer to the site of present day Quebec City. (Stadacona) • “Kanata” was the Huron-Iroquois word for “village” or “settlement”. • Later, the name “Canada” referred to the large area north of the St. Lawrence River.

3. As more land was explored, “Canada” grew. • The first time “Canada” was used as an official name was in 1791 and referred to the colonies of Upper and Lower Canada. • In 1867, at the time of Confederation, our became officially known as Canada.

4. The Flag of Canada • Red and White are Canada’s official colours. • The current flag first flew on February 15th, 1965. • There was much debate about what the flag should look like.

5. Flag Etiquette • The national flag of Canada should always fly alone on its own mask or flagpole. • The dimensions/proportions of the flag are not to be modified. • The flag can be flown at night without illumination. • The flag should not be written on or covered by other objects. • When the flag is raised or lowered, all present should face the flag and remain silent. Men should remove their hats.

6. The Maple Leaf • It is believed that the maple leaf served as a symbol of Canada as early as 1700. • In 1867 Canada’s confederation song was called The Maple Leaf Forever and was written by Alexander Muir. • The anthem O Canada was written by Calixa Lavallee and was first played in 1880 in Quebec. • The first English version of the song was accepted in 1908. (Robert Stanley Weir)

7. The Coat of Arms created for Ontario and Quebec both included the maple leaf. • It appears on the penny, the Coat of Arms of Canada, and on the flag. • The red maple leaf is recognized around the world a a symbol of Canada. • Native people made syrup and sugar from the sap of the maple tree. • In 1996, the maple tree was officially recognized as a national emblem.

9. The Coat of Arms • Early settlers are represented by the the three royal lions of England, the royal lion of Scotland, the harp of Ireland, and the fleur-de-lis of France. • The lion of England holds the British flag. • The unicorn of Scotland holds the flag of Royal France. • The bottom has the fleur-de-lis (France), the shamrock (Ireland), the thistle (Scotland), and the rose (England)

10. The Beaver • The beaver is a symbol of the fur trade. • Beaver pelts were needed for fur hats in Europe. • English and French fur traders trapped many beavers • There were an est. 6 million before the fur trade and it became in danger of being wiped out. • The beaver is featured on a postage stamp from 1851. • The beaver became an official emblem in 1975 • It is on the Coat of Arms for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. • It’s also on the nickel.

11. References and Links • http://www.telegraphe.com/quebec/affiches/histoire.gif • http://images.encarta.msn.com/xrefmedia/aencmed/targets/maps/mhi/T012891A.gif • http://www3.sympatico.ca/goweezer/canada/canpics/crestOnt.jpg • http://www3.sympatico.ca/goweezer/canada/canpics/crestQue.jpg • http://www3.telus.net/st_simons/canadacoatofarms.gif • http://members.shaw.ca/kcic1/beaver/3pence.jpg • http://www3.sympatico.ca/goweezer/canada/canpics/crestMan.jpg