MONTREAL – The Quebec government has announced its decision to remove the British crown from the province's official coat of arms, a move that officials claim reaffirms the autonomy of the Quebec nation. This significant change was communicated by Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette and French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge.

The current coat of arms features a crown positioned atop a shield adorned with three gold fleurs-de-lis, a gold lion representing the British Crown, and three green maple leaves. Importantly, while the British crown will be removed, the gold lion will remain part of the emblem. The historical context of the coat of arms dates back to 1868 when Queen Victoria granted Quebec its official emblem, although the Tudor-style crown was added later in 1939, alongside the province's motto "Je me souviens," which translates to "I remember."

In terms of implementation, the Quebec government has indicated that the coat of arms will be updated on certain official correspondence and will eventually be reflected in the medals awarded by the lieutenant-governor. However, for the sake of heritage conservation, they have stated that emblems displayed on state buildings or furniture will remain unchanged.

This decision underscores the province's desire to assert its identity and autonomy, distancing itself from symbols associated with British colonial history. The removal of the crown is a symbolic gesture that aligns with the sentiments of many Quebecers who advocate for a unique cultural identity distinct from historical ties to the British Crown.

The announcement marks a significant moment in Quebec's ongoing cultural evolution and reflects broader discussions regarding identity, representation, and historical acknowledgment within the province. As Quebec continues to navigate its path forward, changes like these are indicative of a larger movement towards embracing a distinctly Quebecois identity.