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National symbols of Canada are the
symbols that are used in Canada and abroad to represent the
country and its people. Prominently, the use of the maple leaf
as a Canadian symbol dates back to the early 18th century, and
is depicted on its current and previous flags, the penny, and on
the coat of arms (or royal arms).The Crown symbolizes the
Canadian monarchy, and appears on the coat of arms (used by
parliamentarians and government ministries), the flag of the
Governor General, the coats of arms of many provinces and
territories; the badges of the Canadian Forces, Royal Canadian
Mounted Police (RCMP), many regiments, and other police forces;
on buildings, as well as some highway signs and licence plates.
Also, the Queen's image appears in Canadian government
buildings, military installations and schools; and on Canadian
stamps, $20 bank notes, and all coins.
Canada is known for its vast forests and mountain ranges and
the animals that reside within them, such as moose, beaver,
caribou, polar bears, grizzly bears, Canada goose, and the
common loon. The beaver's emblematic status originated from the
fact much of Canada's early economic history was tied to the fur
trade in beaver fur, used to make hats fashionable in Europe.
Other products made from the country's natural resources, such
as maple syrup, are also associated with Canadian identity.
Additional national symbols include the RCMP and anything
pertaining to ice hockey, Canada's official winter sport, which
is often used as a national symbol of unity and pride.
In recent years, other symbols have become a source of pride:
notably, the I am Canadian campaign by Molson beer, most
notably the commercial featuring Joe Canada, infused home-grown
beer with nationalism. (Molson later merged with an American
beer company, Coors.) The Canadian fashion retailer Roots sells
a variety of merchandise designed to evoke nationalistic
sentiment.
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