The Coat of Arms of Canada
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(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.