The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs wishes to thank those who particpated in the consultation process on amendments to the Coat of Arms Act. The consultation period extended from August 26, 2021 to September 17, 2021. Feedback from the engagement process was used to inform What We Heard documents.
The Coat of Arms Act sets out the legal description of Newfoundland and Labrador’s official Coat of Arms, and contains the legal authority for use of the emblem.
The written description of the Coat of Arms reflects the original 1637 patent, which does not reference the Labrador portion of the Province. This description also contains racist and colonial phrases which are specifically derogatory toward Indigenous peoples. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be amending the Coat of Arms Act to include reference to Labrador, and to remove reference to savages. This consultation is focused on the replacement of the harmful wording.
Respect for the culture and heritage of Indigenous peoples is an important step towards Reconciliation and building an inclusive environment in the province.
How will your input will be used?
The information we received will be reviewed by the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs. All feedback will be considered in making amendments to the Coat of Arms Act, with additional weight given to responses from self-identified Indigenous participants.
Privacy Statement
The collection of information is done under the authority of section 61(c) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015, for the purpose of collecting public feedback on proposed amendments to the Coat of Arms Act.
If you have any questions about the collection, use or disclosure of information, please contact the ATIPP Coordinator at [email protected].
