Coat of arms of Manitoba

The coat of arms of Manitoba is the heraldic symbol representing the Canadian province of Manitoba. The arms contains symbols reflecting Manitoba's British heritage along with local symbols. At the upper part of the shield is the red cross of St. George, representing England. On the left, the unicorn represents Scotland. The lower portion of the shield features a bison standing atop a rock on a green background, a symbol of First Nations peoples of the area who derived food and clothing from the animal.

The shield also features on the provincial flag.

History

Prior to 1905, Manitoba used unofficial arms blazoned Vert three garbs in fess Or, a chief per pale, dexter the Union Badge of 1707 (i.e. the crosses of St. George and St. Andrew), sinister azure three fleurs-de-lis Or.<ref name="rothery">Template:Cite book</ref>

The present shield of arms was granted by royal warrant of King Edward VII on 10 May 1905.<ref name="rothery" /><ref name="EmblemAct" /><ref name="CanHeritage">Template:Cite web</ref>

The arms were further augmented with supporters, a crest, and motto, by a warrant of then-Governor General Ramon Hnatyshyn on 23 October 1992.<ref name="EmblemAct" /><ref name="CanHeritage" /><ref name="TravelManitoba">Template:Cite web</ref>

Symbolism

Crest

The helmet above the shield is gold and faces left, a symbol of Manitoba's co-sovereign status in Confederation. The mantling is in the national colours of Canada. The crest is a beaver, Canada's national animal, holding a prairie crocus, Manitoba's provincial flower. The crest is surmounted by a crown, representing royal sovereignty.

Shield

On the white chief is the Cross of Saint George, a symbol of England. The bison is a symbolic reminder of the various bison that formerly roamed the province. The remainder of the coat of arms was granted in 1992.

Compartment

The compartment represents a diverse landscape.

Supporters

The beadwork and Red River wheel allude to Manitoba's past, while the maple leaf is the national emblem of Canada.

Motto

The motto is Gloriosus et Liber, "glorious and free," a line taken from the English lyrics to the Canadian national anthem "O Canada."<ref name="TravelManitoba" />

Animals

Beaver, Bison, Horse, Unicorn

See also

• Symbols of Manitoba
• Flag of Manitoba
• Canadian heraldry
• National symbols of Canada
• List of Canadian provincial and territorial symbols
• Heraldry

External links

• Arms of Manitoba in the online Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges