Quebec Government Removes British Crown from Official Coat of Arms
The Legault government has made a significant symbolic change by removing the British crown from Quebec's official coat of arms. This decision was announced on Friday by Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette, who serves as Minister Responsible for Canadian Relations, alongside Jean-François Roberge, Minister of the French Language and Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration.
Reflecting Quebec Identity
In a press statement, Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette declared, "The vast majority of Quebecers have no attachment to the British monarchy and reject it." He emphasized that the updated coat of arms better represents contemporary Quebec identity. Jolin-Barrette reinforced this message in a social media post, stating that the new design aligns more closely with the province's current values and sentiments.
Historical Context of the Coat of Arms
Quebec's original coat of arms dates back to 1868 and featured several symbolic elements:
- Fleurs-de-lis representing the population's French origins
- A leopard on a red background symbolizing ties with Great Britain
- A branch of three maple leaves representing Upper and Lower Canada
In 1939, the Liberal government under Adélard Godbout modified the crest to reflect Quebec's political history more explicitly. This revision included the addition of the Tudor crown alongside Quebec's motto, "Je me souviens." The design had remained unchanged for nearly nine decades until this recent update.
Rationale for the Change
Minister Jean-François Roberge explained the timing of this modification, noting that "the need to move beyond the monarchy is now very much present in Quebec." He argued that Quebecers deserve to be better represented through their provincial symbols and that Quebec's autonomy should be expressed through its institutions. Roberge described this autonomy as a great source of pride for Quebecers that warrants reflection in official emblems.
Details of the Modification
The new coat of arms remains largely identical to the previous version with one notable exception: the removal of the crown from the top of the design. This symbol had been a visible reminder of Quebec's historical connection to the British monarchy.
The updated coat of arms will appear on certain official correspondence, medals awarded by the lieutenant-governor, and the Lieutenant Governor's official banner. However, the government has stated that no changes will be made to buildings or furnishings of the National Assembly or Quebec government buildings to preserve heritage elements.
Symbolic Significance
This alteration represents more than just a design change—it reflects evolving attitudes toward historical symbols in Quebec. By removing the British crown, the government aims to create a coat of arms that more accurately represents the province's contemporary identity and values. The decision underscores ongoing discussions about Quebec's relationship with historical institutions and its place within the Canadian federation.
The announcement has sparked conversations about how provincial symbols evolve over time to reflect changing societal values and political perspectives. As Quebec updates this important emblem, it joins other jurisdictions reconsidering historical symbols in public heraldry.
