Inspired by Gregor Macauley's ideas for renewing New Zealand symbols of sovereignty, here are my own suggestions for a similar process in Canada. Another good foundation for this discussion can be found in D'Arcy Boulton's analysis of the Royal Arms of Canada in the June 1974 issue of Heraldry in Canada.

I have, on previous occasions, suggested that the arms for governmental purposes be the simple arms fo Canada (Argent a sprig of three maple leaves Gules), and for royal purposes the present quartered version be used (as is the case in Denmark, for instance). I'm now inclined to say that the simple arms would be best for all purposes. The Queen of Canada can, I suppose, display the arms of her other realms, but to what end? Furthermore, while the royal ams of England and Scotland do indeed reflect other realms of Her Majesty, the royal arms of France clearly do not - nor does the presence of the arms of Ireland satisfactorily reflect the sovereignty of that land (a problem which also remains in the royal arms of the U.K. and the Union Flag). The inclusion of these other arms wa somewhat illogical in 1921 when they were granted, although they did create an important emotive tie to the arms of the United Kingdom. looking at examples of grants from the period it is clear that standards at the College of Arms at that time still left much to be desired, and perhaps the Canadian arms of five quarterings reflect this. Simplification would create a more accurate, and a more used, coat of arms.

Similarly, what of the banners held by the supporters? The Union Flag is a proud reminder of our heritage. As a royal symbol, however, it indicates three kingdoms to which we have no legal connection. Thus, should we keep the banners of the Union Flag and the French royal arms? I would still say yes: since they're not on the arms themselves they do not indicate sovereignty, and in this case can be interpreted as a reminder of our heritage. I don't see a pressing need to substitute the supporters with beasts native to Canada. The crest is something I like very much: a very ancient heraldic symbol (with or without the tongue!) which indicates the origin of our legal and governmental institutions, but which is suitably differenced for Canada.

What to do with the crown above the crest, though? From a heraldic point of view, its floating above the crest is hardly acceptable. Probably the best solution would be to follow the example of the United Kingdom and place the crest on the crown. Some may protest that this would ruin the simple crest as it appears on the Governor General's flag (which has led to misleading references to it as the "vice-regal" lion): my response would be to use the crowned lion holding a maple leaf as a royal (and, of course, by extension, vice-regal) badge.

Let's dispense with the Queen's personal flag for Canada. The presence of the Queen should be indicated by a simple banner of the Royal Arms, not one defaced by the "E" badge. A more "ornate" royal flag would be appealing, so I'll further offer a version based on the old Austrian model. Should the Governor General also use this flag? I think this would be appropriate, but I also see merit in having a distinctive vice-regal flag, especially one so striking as our present one, which I have adapted from a crest to a badge design. I even suggest the Prime Minister be given a distinctive flag, based on the augumentation accorded to armorial bearings of holders of that office: a white flag bearing four red maple leaves arranged crosswise.

The addition of the motto ribbon of the Order of Canada was a welcome change, and should remain, along with the motto. We should have a compartment, but I'd be worried about crowding it with too many symbols. Readers, any ideas?

What about royal badges? I suggest both the single red maple leaf and the sprig of three. To reflect our status as a northern kingdom, a snowflake (like the Order of Canada insignia) could also be used, and, of course, the beaver. Needless to say, all of these would be topped by the royal corwn.

In our next issue I'll take a look at Ontario symbols. In the meantime, I'm sure readers will have more suggestions or comments on this article.

Article and drawings by Bruce Patterson. Typos courtesy fo the webmaster. Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and not those of the Heraldry Society of Canada, any Branch thereof, or the webmaster.

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