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National symbols of Canada are the symbols that are used in Canada and abroad to represent the country and its people. Prominently, the use of the maple leaf as a Canadian symbol dates back to the early 18th century, and is depicted on its current and previous flags, the penny, and on the coat of arms (or royal arms).
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The Crown symbolizes the Canadian monarchy, and appears on the coat of arms (used by parliamentarians and government ministries), the flag of the Governor General, the coats of arms of many provinces and territories; the badges of several federal departments, the Canadian Forces, Royal Military College of Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), many regiments, and other police forces; on buildings, as well as some highway signs and licence plates. Also, the Queen's image appears in Canadian government buildings, military installations and schools; and on Canadian stamps, $20 bank notes, and all coins.
List of symbols
Canada does not have a floral emblem, and none of the tartan, maple leaf, or Great Seal emblems are official symbols.
National bird
In 2015, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society launched a National Bird Project in order to declare a national bird in time for Canada's sesquicentennial in 2017. In November 2016 they selected the Grey jay (formerly known as the Canada jay) and are currently lobbying the government to make it an official national symbol before the end of 2017.