What is the Canadian coat of arms?

The Canadian coat of arms, formally the Royal Coat of Arms of Canada, is the national emblem and represents the sovereign in right of Canada. King George V granted the arms by royal proclamation on November 21, 1921, on the recommendation of the federal Heraldic Committee chaired by Sir Joseph Pope. The design was updated in 1957 to modernise the leaves, and again in 1994 to add a ribbon of the Order of Canada around the shield.

The shield carries five elements representing Canada's founding peoples and colonies: the three royal lions of England, the rampant lion of Scotland, the harp of Ireland from the arms of King David of Israel, the three fleurs-de-lys of royal France, and a sprig of three red maple leaves on a white field representing Canada itself. Above the shield is the St. Edward's Crown, signalling Canadian sovereignty rests with the King.

The shield is supported by the lion of England, holding the Royal Union Flag, and the unicorn of Scotland, holding the Royal Banner of France. Below the shield is a wreath of red and white roses, thistles, shamrocks, and lilies representing England, Scotland, Ireland, and royal France. The lower scroll bears the national motto 'A Mari Usque Ad Mare', and the upper scroll, added in 1994, bears the motto of the Order of Canada, 'Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam' ('They desire a better country').

The Royal Coat of Arms appears on Canadian passports, on the cover of the Speech from the Throne, on government buildings, on the Mace of the House of Commons, and on the rank insignia of senior judges. It is the most authoritative graphic representation of the Canadian state.