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Susan's Canada Online Blog

By Susan Munroe, About.com Guide to Canada Online since 1997

Time for a New Motto for Canada?

Saturday March 11, 2006
There's a move afoot by northern premiers and members of parliament to change the motto of Canada to more accurately reflect the country's geographic reality. The current motto of Canada is "A mare usque ad mare," which is "From sea to sea" in English and "D'un ocean à l'autre" in French. The Ottawa Citizen reports that Dennis Bevington, the NDP member of parliament for the Western Arctic will introduce a private member's bill to change the motto to "From sea to sea to sea," adding the Arctic Ocean to the symbolism. The premiers of Canada's northern territories say the change would reinforce the larger role the far North is expected to play in the future of Canada.

The motto of Canada comes from Psalm 72:8 "...and he shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth" (King James Version). The phrase "A mare usque ad mare" was first used officially when it was inscribed on the head of the mace of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly in 1906. It was included in a revised design of the Arms of Canada approved in 1921.

More on Canadian Symbols and Emblems
  • Canadian Symbols and Emblems
  • Provincial Symbols and Emblems


  • Northern Territories in Canada
  • Northwest Territories
  • Nunavut
  • Yukon
  • Comments

    August 9, 2008 at 11:00 pm
    (1) Light says:

    I believe not only should we change our motto but I also think we should change our ideal to better suit the belief of many people in the country. Such as Canada will not attack another nation, will not allow another nation to attack it, and will not intervene in the conflicts of other nations. Since this is what we all truly believe deep down inside and whenever we intervene with another country it always come out worse for us then for the other country.

    January 7, 2009 at 12:20 pm
    (2) Lawliet says:

    I agree with you completely light, we should focus first on Canada and not jump in to help with every problem when we already have so many of our own

    February 20, 2009 at 2:38 pm
    (3) ashly says:

    EVERYONE SUCKS THEY SHOULD CHANGE CANADA AND MAKE CANADA FAMOUS FOR ONCE.

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