Canada 150 is the perfect time to include Canada’s youngest territory on this national landmark

“By including the symbols of Nunavut, the Centennial Flame will now fully reflect Canada from coast to coast to coast. This beautiful territory may be the newest addition to Confederation, but its history and heritage run deep in our identity. This is a truly fitting way to mark Canada 150.”

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“Adding the symbols of Nunavut to the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill completes this central landmark’s representation of our country. Canada 150 is an ideal opportunity to acknowledge the story of Nunavut, its people and its contribution to our Canadian identity.”

—The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

“Nunavut plays an important role in protecting the sovereignty and security of Confederation. We look forward to having our symbols included on the Centennial Flame, ensuring that this special landmark honours all jurisdictions in Canada today.”

—The Honourable George Qulaut, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

• The 12-sided structure, which is on the front lawn of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, boasts the bronze shield of each of the provinces and territories that existed in 1967, as well as the date each joined Confederation and their respective floral emblems. These are joined by the fountain’s water, representing Canada’s unity from coast to coast to coast.

• The monument currently does not include the shield or floral emblem of Nunavut because the territory joined Confederation on April 1, 1999.

• On December 31, 1966, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson launched Canada’s 100^th anniversary celebrations by lighting the Flame for the first time.

• While originally conceived as a project for the duration of the centennial year, popular demand influenced the government to retain and continue the Flame in perpetuity.

• The shield of Nunavut is round and features an inuksuk, qulliq (Inuit stone lamp), five gold circles representing the arc of the sun, and the North Star. The official territorial flower is purple saxifrage, which represents the resilience and perseverance of the territory. The territorial motto is Nunavut Sannginivut (“Nunavut, our strength”).

Associated Links

• Learn more about the Centennial Flame
• The Symbols of Nunavut

For more information (media only), please contact:

Rachel Rappaport
Press Secretary (interim)
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca