Symbols help explain what it means to be Canadian. The test is guaranteed to include questions on national symbols, so this chapter is worth learning well.
Key facts to know
The Crown has been a symbol of the state in Canada for 400 years. Canada has been a constitutional monarchy in its own right since Confederation in 1867.
The current Canadian flag was raised for the first time in 1965. Red and white have been the national colours since 1921.
The Union Jack is Canada’s official Royal Flag. The Canadian Red Ensign served as the national flag for about 100 years.
The maple leaf is Canada’s best-known symbol. French Canadians adopted it as a symbol in the 1700s.
The fleur-de-lys was the symbol of French royalty and is part of Quebec’s flag, adopted in 1948.
Canada’s motto is A mari usque ad mare, Latin for “from sea to sea.” The coat of arms contains symbols of England, France, Scotland and Ireland as well as red maple leaves.
O Canada was proclaimed the national anthem in 1980 and was first sung in Quebec City in 1880. English and French Canadians sing different words.
The Royal Anthem is “God Save the King (or Queen)” and can be played on any occasion that honours the Sovereign.
The Order of Canada was created in 1967, the centennial of Confederation, as the start of Canada’s own honours system.
The Stanley Cup is the National Hockey League championship trophy, donated in 1892. The Grey Cup, for the Canadian Football League, was donated in 1909.
Test tip: Pair each symbol with a date or a meaning: flag 1965, anthem 1980, Order of Canada 1967, motto “from sea to sea.”
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These notes summarize the official Discover Canada guide in our own words. Always check the current edition of the guide on canada.ca. Discover Canada Prep is independent and not affiliated with IRCC.