QUEBEC

"Quebec" came from an Algonquin word meaning "narrow passage". It described where the St. Lawrence River narrowed (at Quebec City). Quebec became a province in 1867.


flag


Quebec's flag has a white cross on a blue background.
The four white fleurs-de-lis represent the early French settlers.
It became the official provincial flag in 1948.


THE COAT OF ARMS

The shield is divided into three parts. This represents the three countries that shaped the history of the province.
  • The top part has three gold fleurs-de-lis on blue.
    This is a reminder of their French roots.
  • The golden lion on a red field represents England.
  • Three green maple leaves on gold represent Canada and the maple trees
  • At the top is a crown representing the British Crown.
  • Underneath is a silver scroll with the motto in blue lettering.
The motto Je Me Souviens means "I remember".

blue flag iris

BLUE FLAG IRIS

In November 1999 Quebec officially changed the floral emblem from the White Lily to the Blue Flag Iris.

This native plant of Quebec is found in wetland areas. It grows from the St. Lawrence Valley to the shores of James Bay.

The Blue Flag Iris can grow in partial sunlight. It blooms in the spring (May-June). There are 2 or 3 blooms on each stem. The blossoms vary from light to deep blue with yellowish and whitish markings. Long narrow leaves grow out of the corm (root). It can grow to be up to a metre tall.

OTHER EMBLEMS

bird - Snowy Owl
insect - White Admiral Butterfly
tree - Yellow Birch (for making furniture)


NEXT (Saskatchewan)



EMBLEMS | CANADA

Web Pages for Students

J.Giannetta 1999
(updated 2017)
jgiannet@hotmail.com


SOURCES:
National Flag and Emblems - Government of Québec.
Symbols of Quebec Canadian Government