Canada’s coat of arms needs a new narrative

Emblazoning our passports, decorating our schools and government buildings, the Canadian coat of arms provides a regal je ne sais quoi to the loftiest of federal documents and institutions.

Both archaic and gorgeous, it is a symbol in need of re-imagining.

Its current version, introduced in the early 1920s, was intended to portray Canada as a distinct nation, even as its designers employed the most imperial of symbols to do so. The message is straightforward: To be a Canadian is to be — or aspire to be — the product of British genetics and sensibilities.

The Canadian coat of arms reflects nothing of Canada’s first peoples. Indeed, it doesn’t represent Canadians whose roots extend beyond the British Isles. There are other absences. The motto “From Sea to Sea,” inscribed in Latin on an unfurling ribbon below the shield, repudiates the claims that Canadian icebreaker C3 is asserting on its three-ocean journey from Toronto to Victoria. It has been proposed that it be amended to “From Sea to Sea to Sea,” a change that would also serve to represent the people of the North.

Indeed, the coat of arms’ absences are many. But despite them, I always have been seduced by its sheer rococo magnificence.

The original Canadian coat of arms, introduced a year after Confederation, was an almost agrarian affair, as if Canada was but a series of shires. The symbol for each province is displayed on its own somewhat square tile, forming together an unimpressive whole. At some point, a wreath and a few traditional embellishments were added. As Canada grew, the number of provincial emblems rose correspondingly, resulting in a design that resembled a patchwork quilt.

One hundred years ago, perhaps given momentum by Canadian valour in the Great War, it became clear Canada should be represented by a more worthy royal symbol, albeit one that would follow the concept and symbology of the British model. England was given pride of place, as personified by the lion standing on the left. On the right is the traditional Scottish unicorn, its chains broken, independent within a powerful Britain.

Of course, modernity offers other possible narratives. For example, in the latter part of the 20th century, the unicorn might also speak of a strong Quebec within a strong Canada, the Pierre Trudeau vision. Another reimagining sees the unicorn’s broken chains and status as an aspiration for the place of Indigenous Peoples in our national life.

In the centre of the coat of arms lies a shield, divided into five parts. The triangular base features three connected red maple leaves, likely representing the three founding peoples whose national symbols also occupy the shield’s upper panels: English (the three lions), Scottish (the red lion), and the Irish (the harp). These emblems co-habit with the fleurs de lis, both here and atop the right flagpole.

Another layer to the meaning of the Irish harp, playing the vibe of Canada, could be inviting others to join us as allies, visitors, immigrants and refugees. The several lions might symbolize the courage required for every resettlement, beginning many millennia ago when forebears of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples trekked across the land bridge from Asia.

Added in 1994, a ribbon encircles the shield with the Latin proclamation “Desiderantes meliorem patriam,” the motto of the Order of Canada. It means “They desire a better country.” Who can argue with that?

Still, a symbolic renovation is called for, to promote Canadian values to ourselves and the world, and to reflect the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. Also to acknowledge the mosaic we have become, especially in light of recent political and geopolitical realignments.

If the canonical elegance and irresistible gravity of our coat of arms can evolve to reflect our unique and beautiful country, then it’s time to start re-imagining this lovely emblem.

Because it’s 2017.