Quebec removing the British crown from province’s coat of arms

The Quebec government says it’s removing the British crown from the province’s official coat of arms.

Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette and French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge say the province’s decision reaffirms the autonomy of the Quebec nation.

The coat of arms consists of a crown sitting atop a shield featuring three gold fleurs-de-lis, a gold lion — which also represents the British Crown — as well as three green maple leaves. The lion is not being removed.

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In 1868 Queen Victoria granted Quebec its official emblem, but the Quebec government says the Tudor-style crown was added in 1939 along with the provincial motto “Je me souviens” — I remember.

The government says the coat of arms will be changed on some official correspondence and eventually on the medals handed out by the lieutenant-governor.

For heritage conservation purposes, the government says any emblems that appear on state buildings or furniture will not be changed.