Montréal’s flag and coat of arms

Last updated September 28, 2022
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The flag and coat of arms of Montréal include five symbols representing the five founding peoples.

Composition of the flag

These symbols on Montréal’s flag and coat of arms represent its founding peoples: 

  • The white pine for the Indigenous peoples
  • The fleur-de-lys for the French
  • The rose for the English
  • The thistle for the Scots
  • The shamrock for the Irish.

Choosing the white pine 

In 2017, the city redesigned its flag and coat of arms to include a white pine tree at its centre. The white pine is symbolic of the Indigenous peoples; it represents peace, harmony and concord. It symbolizes the Tree of Peace and is the only indigenous plant element in the city’s coat of arms.

The white pine was chosen by an advisory committee appointed by the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), made up of members from various First Nations (Mohawk, Anishinaabe, Innu), from both urban and reserve communities, as well as a representative from the Centre d’histoire de Montréal. The committee was assisted throughout its meetings by the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

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