Coat of arms of Alberta

The Arms of Alberta
Versions

1907–1980, still used on the flag

For use by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta
Details
Armiger Elizabeth II in Right of Alberta
Adopted 1907, augmented 1980, 2008
Crest Upon a Helm with a Wreath Argent and Gules a Beaver couchant upholding on its back the Royal Crown both proper.
Escutcheon Azure, in front of a range of snow mountains proper a range of hills Vert, in base a wheat field surmounted by a prairie both also proper, on a chief Argent a St. George's cross.
Supporters On the dexter side a Lion Or armed and langued Gules and on the sinister side a Pronghorn Antelope (Antilocapra americana) proper.
Compartment Compartment : Comprising a grassy mount with the Floral Emblem of the Said Province of Alberta, the Wild Rose (Rosa acicularis), growing therefrom proper.
Motto FORTIS ET LIBER
Strong and Free

The original coat of arms of Alberta was granted to Alberta by a Royal Warrant of King Edward VII on 30 May 1907.[1] The shield is also featured on the flag of Alberta.

Contents

History

On 30 July 1980, Queen Elizabeth II augmented the armorial bearings by Royal Warrant with a crest, supporters, and a motto.[1] The helmet under the crest was changed from a steel helmet to a gold royal helmet on 15 January 2008.[2][3]

Symbolism

Crest

The crest sits above the shield and consists of a royal helmet crowned with a red and silver wreath, on top of which sits a beaver, resting on top of which is St Edward's Crown. White and red are the official colours of Canada, and the beaver is the official animal of Canada.

Shield

The shield represents the natural resources and beauty of the varied of Alberta landscape: the Rocky Mountains and their foothills, the grass prairies, and the cultivated wheat fields. The St George's Cross is an allusion to the arms of the Hudson's Bay Company, which once controlled what is now Alberta.

Compartment

The compartment or base is a grassy mount with wild roses, the official flower of Alberta.

Supporters

The supporters sit on either side of the shield and consist of a golden lion on the left (representing power) and a pronghorn antelope on the right (representing Alberta's natural resources). Neither of these is the official animal of Alberta (which is the bighorn sheep).

Motto

Fortis et Liber, meaning "strong and free", a phrase from the English lyrics of "O Canada".

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Ceremonial and Canadian Symbols Promotion – Alberta". Canadian Heritage. http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/atc-ac/ab_e.cfm. Retrieved 20 November 2008. 
  2. ^ Government of Alberta (6 June 2010). "The Government of Alberta Corporate Identity Manual". p. 43. http://corporateidentity.alberta.ca/downloads/GoaCIM-1.0-Brand.pdf. Retrieved 4 October 2010. 
  3. ^ "The Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada – Heraldry". http://archive.gg.ca/heraldry/pub-reg/project-pic.asp?lang=e&ProjectID=1206&ProjectElementID=4187. Retrieved 4 October 2010. 

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