Specialized symbols

What is a specialized symbol?

Specialized symbols are defined in the Policy on Communications and Federal Identity as symbols, marks or emblems that fall into one of the 5 following categories:

• required under an act or regulation (for example, an inspection stamp);
• administered by the Government of Canada on behalf of industry (for example, EnergyStar);
• identifies an international body in which the Government of Canada has membership (for example, UNESCO, NATO);
• identifies an international event in which Canada is the host country and the Government of Canada is the lead (for example, G7); or
• represents the Royal family (for example, flags, cyphers, commemorative emblems).

Unlike a corporate identifier which is meant to identify a government department or program, specialized symbols have a specific operational purpose and typically identify an external organization or activity, for which a department has a clear operational mandate that includes communications.

Approval process

Due to their strategic use, heads of communications are responsible for approving and managing this class of symbol.

Consulting with the policy centre

As indicated in the Directive, the first step to using a specialized symbol is to confirm with the Communications and Federal Identity Policy Centre at Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat that the symbol being considered meets the definition in the Policy.

Developing a graphic standards manual

Once confirmed by the policy centre and approved by the head of communications, departments will be responsible for developing a graphic standards manual which outlines how the specialized symbol will be used in communications products and activities. The manual must also state how the specialized symbol will be used with the corporate signature and Canada wordmark, so it does not negatively impact the primacy of the official symbols of the Government of Canada.

Obtaining policy centre approval

The manual must then be approved by the Communications and Federal Identity Policy Centre at Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat prior to use.

Managing specialized symbols

As part of the delegation of responsibility, heads of communications are also responsible for managing these symbols throughout all stages, maintaining an inventory and ensuring that these symbols are used as intended.