The Great Seal of Newfoundland is a seal used to authenticate documents issued by the government of Newfoundland and Labrador that are released in the name of the Queen in Right of Newfoundland and Labrador, including the appointment of the Executive Council and Ministers (the Cabinet).
Contents
Design
The fisherman kneeling before Britannia, a colonial image, was replaced by the coat of arms, with “Newfoundland” written near the bottom curve on a scroll. Encircling the top are the words "Elizabeth II D.G. Canadae Regina".
History
The earliest documented Great Seal of Newfoundland received royal approval from King George IV on 1 September 1827. It depicts Mercury, the classical god of commerce and merchandise, presenting to Britannia a fisherman who, kneeling, offers her his catch. Below are the words Haec Tibi Dona Fero (Latin: These gifts I bring thee) and written around the circumference of the seal is Sigillum Terrae Novae Insulae – "Seal of the Island of Terra Nova".
In 1837, when Queen Victoria took the throne of England, she approved a new seal for Newfoundland. Britannia, Mercury and the Newfoundland fisherman occupy the bottom two thirds and are contained within an elaborate frame. Above sit the royal arms, with a lion and unicorn on either side. Written around the top edge of the circular seal are the words Victoria Dei Gratia Britanniae Reg F D (Victoria, by the grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith), and the bottom edge reads Sigillum Terrae Novae Insulae (Seal of the Island of Terra Nova).
Keeper
The keeper of the Great Seal is the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.