Wikipedia:Today's featured article/July 22, 2011

Canadian heraldry is the cultural tradition and style of coats of arms and other heraldic achievements in modern and historic Canada. Derived mainly from heraldic traditions in France and the United Kingdom, Canadian heraldry also incorporates distinctly Canadian symbols, especially native flora and fauna, references to the First Nations and other aboriginal peoples of Canada, and uniquely Canadian elements such as the Canadian pale, derived from the Canadian flag. In 1988, governance of both personal and corporate heraldry in Canada was patriated from the heraldic authorities in England and Scotland with the formation of the Canadian Heraldic Authority, which now has exclusive jurisdiction over granting awards of arms in Canada. Coats of arms are used throughout Canada by all levels of government, in many cases including royal insignia as a mark of authority. All citizens of Canada have the right to petition for an award of arms, as do other entities including businesses and religious institutions. The granting of arms is regarded as an honour from the monarch, via the Governor General, and thus are bestowed only on those whom the Chief Herald has deemed worthy of receiving a grant of arms. (more...)

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