Col. the Hon. George F.G. Stanley
C.C., C.D., K.St.J., D.Phil., F.R.S.C., F.R.Hist.S., &c.

The Story of Canada's Flag

Chapter 8: THE CANADIAN COAT OF ARMS, 1921

A rather interesting fact about Canadian participation in the War of 1914-18 was that it stimulated Canadian interest in autonomy rather than in imperial federation. Canadians were proud of the achievements of their soldiers, and Canadian political leaders, like Sir Robert Borden, instead of yielding to British proposals for further imperial centralization, demanded greater freedom of action for themselves. Sir Robert had the full support of the Canadian people when he demanded a louder Canadian voice in foreign affairs, and insisted upon the recognition of Canada's special position at the peace conference and in the League of Nations. The imperial revival of the pre-war days had collapsed under the impact of a long and bloody war.

One of the manifestations of the new interest in Canadian nationalism was the demand for some tangible expression of Canadian identity. In 1921 the first step was taken in this direction with the adoption of a new Coat of Arms for Canada. The old Arms, made up of the arms of the four original provinces, were no longer suitable. Simply to keep

adding to these the Arms of the new provinces or territories was no solution. Borden therefore appointed a committee to look into the question and, acting on the recommendations of this committee, the Conservative government of Arthur Meighen put the proposal before the king. On November 21, 1921, George V granted Canada the Coat of Arms with which we are familiar today.

The Arms of Canada were emblazoned on a shield which was divided into three sections. The first and upper section contained the royal Arms of England and Scotland; the middle section the Arms of Ireland and the three golden fleurs-de-lis of France; the lower section contained the Canadian emblem, three green maple leaves conjoined on a single stem against a silver or white background. The shield was surmounted by a royal helmet draped in a mantle of red and white (Canada's national colours) and a golden lion holding a single red maple leaf in its paw. The supporters were a lion holding a gold pointed lance flying the Union Flag, and a unicorn with a golden coronet around its neck, holding a similar lance flying the banner of royal France. At the top was St. Edward's crown, and below, a scroll with the motto A mari usque ad mare.

In 1957, during the administration of the Rt. Hon. John Diefenbaker, this Coat of Arms was approved for all government purposes. At the same time several small changes were made. St. Edward's crown was replaced by the Tudor crown, and the colour of the maple leaves was changed from green to red to accord with Canada's national colours as indicated by the mantling and wreath.





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