The Quebec government made an announcement on Friday that it will be eliminating the British crown from the official coat of arms of the province. This decision is seen as a way to assert Quebec’s independence. Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette and French Language Minister Jean-Francois Roberge stated that the removal of symbols related to the monarchy was a recommendation from a committee tasked with examining constitutional issues.
Jolin-Barrette emphasized that most Quebecers do not feel a connection to the British monarchy and oppose it. By removing the British crown from the official coat of arms, the government aims to ensure that Quebec’s institutions and national symbols are in line with the identity of Quebec and reflect modernization.
The current coat of arms includes a crown on top of a shield with three gold fleurs-de-lis, a gold lion (representing the British Crown), and three green maple leaves. The lion, also known as a leopard in French, will remain on the coat of arms.
The province was granted its official emblem by Queen Victoria in 1868, with the addition of the Tudor-style crown and the provincial motto “Je me souviens” (I remember) in 1939.
Roberge pointed out that the coat of arms has not been updated for nearly 90 years and stated the importance of moving away from the monarchy in present-day Quebec. The government has previously taken steps to reduce ties with the monarchy, such as eliminating the requirement for new elected legislature members to pledge an oath to the King. Additionally, the province intends to change the title of lieutenant-governor to “officer of Quebec.”
The government plans to update the coat of arms on official correspondence and medals distributed by the lieutenant-governor. However, emblems on state buildings and furniture will remain unchanged for heritage conservation purposes. The cost implications of these changes were not immediately disclosed by the government.
Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon praised the government’s decision, especially noting the timing after a controversial speech by Prime Minister Mark Carney in Quebec City. Carney’s remarks on the Plains of Abraham battle have sparked criticism, with some viewing the defeat of French troops by British forces as a starting point for a “partnership.”
St-Pierre Plamondon commended the coherence of Jolin-Barrette and Roberge, expressing satisfaction with the announcement.