Quebec Removes British Crown from Coat of Arms
Quebec is set to make significant changes to its coat of arms by removing the British crown, a symbol that has been part of the emblem for 87 years. Ministers Simon Jolin-Barrette, responsible for Justice, and Jean-François Roberge, overseeing Democratic Institutions, announced this decision on Friday.
Details of the Removal
Once the government issues the decree, the coat of arms will solely feature three elements: the golden lily, the leopard representing British rule, and the maple leaf, symbolizing the Canadian era. Jolin-Barrette emphasized that the majority of Quebecers feel no attachment to the British monarchy and favor this change.
Reflections on Quebec’s Identity
- The Tudor-style crown was added in 1939 during Maurice Duplessis’s tenure as Premier.
- Over the years, the relevance of this royal symbol has diminished, prompting the current government to act.
Roberge remarked that it has been nearly 90 years since the coat of arms was reviewed. He highlighted the necessity to modernize Quebec’s symbols to align them more closely with the identity of its people.
Government Recommendations
The ministers are acting on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Constitutional Issues in Quebec, which suggested removing all monarchic references from Quebec’s laws. This recommendation was outlined in a report released in November 2024.
Implications of the Change
According to the Law on the Flag and Emblems of Quebec, the government is responsible for establishing the province’s coat of arms. These emblems are used in official communications by the Lieutenant Governor and are featured on various awards, including medals.
The government has assured that no modifications will be made to the architecture or furnishings of the National Assembly or state buildings in order to preserve the heritage, as outlined in its announcement.
