| The Arms of Alberta | |
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| Versions | |
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Arms from 1907 until 1980
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| Details | |
| Adopted | 1907, augmented 1980 |
| 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 May 30, 1907.1 The shield is also featured on the Flag of Alberta.
Contents |
History
On July 30, 1980, Queen Elizabeth II augmented the armorial bearings by Royal Warrant with a crest, supporters, and a motto.1
Symbolism
- The crest sits above the shield and consists of a 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.
- 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.
- The compartment or base is a grassy mount with wild roses, the official flower of Alberta.
- 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).
- Fortis et Liber, meaning "strong and free", a phrase from the English lyrics of "O Canada".
See also
- Flag of Alberta
- Symbols of Alberta
- Canadian heraldry
- National symbols of Canada
- List of Canadian provincial and territorial symbols
- Heraldry
References
- ^ a b "Ceremonial and Canadian Symbols Promotion - Alberta". Canadian Heritage. Retrieved on 2008-11-20.
External links
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