Province of Alberta

The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.

Edmonton, Alberta
Registration of Arms, Supporters and Flag
January 15, 2008
Vol. V, p. 194

Arms of the Province of Alberta
Arms of the Province of Alberta
Flag of the Province of Alberta
 
Arms of the Province of Alberta

Arms of the Province of Alberta

Blazon

Azure in front of snowy mountains a range of grassy hills proper, in base a wheat-field Or surmounted by a prairie proper, on a chief Argent a cross Gules;

Symbolism

The red St. George’s cross on a white background is an allusion to the arms of the Hudson’s Bay Company, which once controlled what is now Alberta, as well as to the English origin of the Company. The snow-capped mountains allude to the Rocky Mountains and the green hills to the foothills. The grass prairies and the wheat field refer to agriculture.

Crest

Blazon

A beaver couchant upholding on its back the Royal Crown proper;

Symbolism

The beaver is the official animal of Canada, being a symbol of the fur trade that led to the major exploration by Europeans. The Royal Crown indicates that these are the Arms of the Sovereign in Right of the Province of Alberta.

Motto

Blazon

FORTIS ET LIBER;

Symbolism

This is translated as “Strong and free”.

Supporters

Blazon

Dexter a lion Or, sinister a pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) both standing on a grassy mount set with wild roses (Rosa acicularis) proper;

Symbolism

The lion is a royal symbol, and the pronghorn antelope is native to Alberta. The wild rose is the official flower of Alberta.
Flag of the Province of Alberta

Flag of the Province of Alberta

Blazon

Azure an escutcheon of the Arms;

Symbolism

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on November 22, 2008 in Volume 142, page 2982 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent registering the heraldic emblems of the Province of AlbertaLetters patent registering the heraldic emblems of the Province of Alberta

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Not applicable

Painter

D. Robert Tunstall

Calligrapher

Nancy Ellis

Recipient Type

Civil Institution
Provincial & Territorial (General)

Other Information

The recipient’s emblems were originally granted by Royal Warrant of His Majesty King Edward VII on the 30th day of May 1907, with the Crest, Motto and Supporters granted by Royal Warrant of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the 30th day of July 1980, and with the Flag adopted by an act of the provincial legislature on the 1st day of June 1968;