The Coat of Arms of Canada

(NC)-"They desire a better country" (Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam), the motto of the Order of Canada, was added to the Royal Arms of Canada this year.

The Arms of Canada was adopted by proclamation of King George V on November 21, 1921. On the advice of the Prime Minister of Canada, Her Majesty the Queen approved, on July 12, 1994, that the Royal Arms of Canada be augmented.

The design of the Coat of Arms reflects the importance of the four founding nations of Canada. The shield of the Arms of Canada features the three royal lions of England, the royal lion of Scotland, the royal fleur-de-lis of France, and the royal Irish harp of Tara. The Coat of Arms is supported by the lion of England holding the Royal Union Flag and the unicorn of Scotland carrying the flag of Royal France. At the base of the Royal Arms are the floral emblems of the four founding nations: the English rose, the Scottish thistle, the French fleur-de-lis, and the Irish shamrock.