British Columbia (BC) - Facts, Flags and Symbols
Capital:
Victoria
Population (2010 estimate): [i]
4,494,232
Motto on Licence Plate:
Beautiful British Columbia
Flag: [ii]
Royal Warrant of King Edward VII, March 31, 1906, assigning arms and banner flag, adopted by Order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, June 27, 1960
Arms: [iii]
Royal Warrant of King Edward VII, March 31, 1906
Gazetted, June 2, 1906
Crest and supporters assumed by Province later granted by Royal Warrant of Queen Elizabeth II, October 15, 1987
Gazetted, December 5, 1987
Date Entered Confederation: [iv]
British Columbia entered Confederation on July 20, 1871. Some colonists viewed it with a sense of reluctance and loss. Senior officials lamented the demise of the colony’s old political institutions, and the fact that the province would take orders from Ottawa. On the other hand, there were many who viewed Confederation as a new beginning, and a way out of an economic depression.
Flower:
Dogwood Tree
In British Columbia, the flower of the dogwood tree (Cornus nuttalli) became the official floral emblem in 1956. The columbine had also been suggested.
Bird:
Steller’s Jay
Steller’s jay (Cyanacitta stelleri) can be found throughout British Columbia. It was adopted as the province’s official bird on December 17, 1987, based on the results of a province-wide vote.
Tree:
Western Red Cedar
The western red cedar (Thuja plicata donn), which British Columbia adopted as its official tree on February 18, 1988, plays a key role in the traditions and lore of West Coast native populations. The tree is also a major industrial resource for the province.
Footnotes
- [i] Statistics Canada - Quarterly demographic estimates, 2010
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/100325/t100325a2-eng.htm
[back to note i] - [ii] Canadian Heritage - Canadian Anthems and Symbols
http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1266258105305/1266214672512
[back to note ii] - [iii] Canadian Heritage - Canadian Anthems and Symbols
http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1266258105305/1266214672512
[back to note iii] - [iv] Library and Archives Canada - Canadian Confederation
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/confederation/index-e.html
[back to note iv]
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