Parliamentarians in Canada may soon debate a bill introduced by Saskatchewan Conservative MP Steven Bonk to adopt a livestock brand as the country’s 10th official national symbol, joining established symbols like the maple leaf and coat of arms. The article highlights lesser-known facts about Canada’s national symbols, such as the beaver’s long-standing symbolic role predating the maple leaf, the Canadian horse breed recognized since 2002, and the Maple Leaf Tartan adopted in 2011. It also clarifies that Canada has never formally adopted red and white as national colors despite their strong association with the country, and that lacrosse and hockey were both designated national sports only in 1994.

The article further notes that not all attempts to establish new national symbols have succeeded immediately. For example, the National Horse Act faced multiple legislative hurdles before becoming law, while bills to recognize the Maple Leaf Tartan, a symbol for national unity, and the iconic RCMP red serge uniform failed to pass. These examples illustrate the complexities and challenges involved in officially recognizing symbols that represent Canadian identity and heritage.