The government of Québec has officially removed the British Crown from its provincial coat of arms. This significant decision was announced by Simon Jolin-Barrette, the Justice Minister, alongside Jean-François Roberge, the Minister responsible for the French language and immigration.
Changes to the Québec Coat of Arms
Previously, the coat of arms featured a shield with three symbols that represent different periods of Québec’s history. The British Crown was positioned above the shield, which has now been eliminated from the official emblem.
- The shield remains divided into three sections:
- Three fleurs-de-lis on a blue background symbolizing the French regime.
- A golden lion on a red background representing the British regime.
- A sprig of three sugar maple leaves reflecting the Canadian regime.
The initial coat of arms, established in 1868, did not include the crown or the motto. The motto “Je me souviens” and the British Crown were added in 1939.
Reflections on National Identity
In a statement, Minister Jolin-Barrette highlighted that a significant number of Québécois feel no attachment to the British monarchy. He emphasized that this change ensures Québec’s national symbols align more closely with its population’s identity. This act reinforces the autonomy of the Québec nation.
Additionally, this decision is aligned with past actions, such as removing the obligation for officials to swear an oath to the king. Jolin-Barrette mentioned plans for a constitutional project to replace the title of “lieutenant-governor” with “officer of Québec,” contingent on legislative approval.
Historical Context and Cost of Changes
Notably, there exists some historical confusion regarding the golden lion, which is also referred to as the “golden leopard.” This stems from medieval heraldry, where the two terms were often used interchangeably.
The changes to the coat of arms will not incur substantial costs. The government has stated that no alterations will be made to existing monuments or furniture that display the coat of arms to preserve heritage. The modified emblem will primarily be used in official correspondence.
Future Emblems Reflecting Modern Realities
Minister Roberge expressed the need for Québec to move forward from its ties to monarchy. According to him, official emblems should reflect current societal realities and cultural identity of the province.
