Category: Media Release

  • Happy BC Day – Britsh Columbia Symbols.

    B.C.’s Coat of Arms

    B.C.'s Coat of Arms

    B.C.’s Coat of Arms was granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on October 15, 1987. It’s an important element in our visual heritage and a symbol of our co-sovereign status as a province of Canada. Use of the Coat of Arms image is restricted under B.C. law.

    Learn more about the history and use of B.C.’s Coat of Arms.

    The Shield of British Columbia

    The Shield of British Columbia

    The central Arms, or Shield, within the Coat of Arms is reserved for use by the three branches of government (executive, legislative and judicial) as well as Crown advisory boards and tribunals. Independent authorities, statutory offices and self-regulating bodies constituted by and authorized to enact provincial legislation can also use the Shield of British Columbia.

    The Great Seal

    The Great Seal of British Columbia

    The Great Seal of British Columbia has both an administrative and ceremonial purpose. It is stamped, printed or engraved upon provincial government documents, certificates and proclamations issued by the three branches of government to authenticate them and make them official. Similar to the Great Seal of Canada, the Great Seal of British Columbia signifies the power and authority of the Crown flowing from the sovereign to our parliamentary government. The Great Seal should never be used to identify the province or government on any government publications, marketing materials, promotional items, advertising campaigns or websites.

    Because the use of the Coat of Arms, Shield and the Great Seal are restricted by law, digital reproduction files are not available to download. Please direct requests to use these symbols to the Government of British Columbia’s Office of Protocol.

     Provincial Flag

    Provincial Flag Colours

    Adopted in 1960, the provincial flag duplicates the design of B.C.’s Shield of Arms, which is a component of B.C.’s Coat of Arms. The top of the flag depicts the Royal Union Flag, reflecting B.C.’s British heritage, with the King Edward crown in the centre representing the Royal Family. Below is a setting sun, representing B.C.’s position as Canada’s westernmost province.

    The wavy white and blue lines symbolize B.C.’s location between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains.

    Any resident or corporation of British Columbia can proudly fly the province’s distinctive flag. The flag’s use is not governed by legislation but rather by convention and the dignity that should be afforded to all of the province’s symbols. Always fly the flag on its own mast. The flag may be flown both night and day. When displayed with the National Flag and a municipal flag, the National Flag should be centred with the flag of British Columbia on its left and the municipal flag on its right to an observer facing the flags. When flown at gatherings of the federation, the flags should be arranged in the order of the date each province or territory entered Confederation with the National Flag flown on the extreme left. The provincial flag should never be used as a tablecloth, carpet or seat cover, but instead be hung in a place of honour. When the flag is tattered or its colours faded, it should be retired in a dignified manner and replaced with a new provincial flag.   See more information on flag protocol.

    While the flag of British Columbia is protected by Crown copyright, digital artwork files are available to download. Please ensure these digital artwork files are always used as they are provided. This includes not altering the aspect ratio of the flag, using part of the flag or adjusting the image in any way. Questions can be directed to the Office of Protocol.

    Download the British Columbi

    Bird – Steller’s Jay

    Steller's Jay

    The Steller’s Jay (Cyanacitta stelleri) became B.C.’s official bird on December 17, 1987. Coloured a vibrant blue and black, it’s found throughout the province. This lively, smart and cheeky bird was voted most popular bird by the people of B.C.

    Mammal – Spirit Bear

    Spirit Bear

    The Spirit Bear (also known as the Kermode Bear, Ursus americanus kermodei) was added to the list of B.C.’s official symbols in April 2006. The greatest concentration of Spirit Bears can be found on the Central Coast and North Coast of B.C. The Spirit Bear is not albino, but rather it is a black bear that has white fur due to a rare genetic trait.

    Flower – Pacific Dogwood

    Pacific dogwood

    The Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) was adopted in 1956 as B.C.’s floral emblem. The Pacific Dogwood is a tree that grows six to eight metres high, and flowers in April and May. In the autumn, it’s known for its cluster of bright red berries and brilliant foliage.

    Fish – Pacific Salmon

    The Pacific Salmon (Oncorhynchus) was added to the list of B.C.’s official symbols in February 2013. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations establishing a symbol to represent Pacific Salmon.

    Pacific Salmon includes the following species:

    • Chinook salmon
    • Chum salmon
    • Coho salmon
    • Cutthroat trout
    • Pink salmon
    • Sockeye salmon
    • Steelhead 

    Gemstone – Jade

    Jade

    Jade became B.C.’s official mineral emblem in 1968. Consisting mostly of nephrite, B.C. jade is prized by carvers of fine jewelry and sculptures. It’s mined in many parts of B.C.

    Tree – Western Red Cedar

    Western Red Cedar

    The Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata donn) was adopted as the official tree of the province on February 18, 1988. Historically, the tree has played a key role in the lives of West Coast First Nations, and continues to be a valuable resource for the province.

    Provincial Tartan

    B.C. Tartan

    Image Source: The Scottish Registry of Tartans

    Adopted in 1974, the provincial tartan has five colours, each with its own significance:

    1. Blue for the ocean
    2. White for the dogwood
    3. Green for the forests
    4. Red for the maple leaf
    5. Gold for the crown and sun on the shield and flag


  • Happy B.C. Day

    Have a safe and happy BC Day!

    What was British Columbia called before?

    New Caledonia, The central region was given the name of “New Caledonia” by explorer Simon Fraser. To avoid confusion with Colombia in South America and the island of New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean, Queen Victoria named the area British Columbia when it became a colony in 1858.

    Why do we celebrate BC Day?

    Why do we celebrate British Columbia Day? British Columbia Day, celebrated on the first Monday of August every year, is meant to recognize the contributions of such people in shaping the social, cultural, and political landscape of the region.

    The flag of British Columbia is based upon the shield of the provincial arms of British Columbia. At the top of the flag is a rendition of the Royal Union Flagdefaced in the centre by a crown, and with a setting sun, a view from parliament across the water at the province capitol, representing the location of the province of British Columbia at the western end of Canada.

  • Ministry of ForestsBC Wildfire Service


    Jul. 24, 2022

    Southeast fire centre wildfire update

    CASTLEGAR – Between July 21st and July 24th, the Southeast Fire Centre responded to 23
    lightning-caused wildfires that were a result of small storm systems passing through the region
    with limited rain, following a warming and drying trend.


    Currently, none of these wildfires are impacting communities or infrastructure, though many
    are highly visible to the surrounding communities. As temperatures are forecast to increase to
    above seasonal norms, we expect to find new fires from this weather pattern in the coming
    days.


    The Southeast had increased preparedness levels ahead of time, with additional crews and
    aviation resources prepared for the forecast storm activity in advance. Resource levels in the
    Southeast remain adequate for the current and anticipated conditions.

    Some of the highly visible wildfires include:


    Mount Ferguson (N70699)
    Located approximately four kilometres south of the community of Harrop, currently estimated
    to be 1.5 hectares in size and is not threatening structures at this time. There are two rapattack
    crews and an initial attack crew on scene being supported by two helicopters to cool the fire
    and move resources in difficult terrain. Ground crews are focused on fire suppression, building
    a helipad, and creating water delivery access. For more information on the ground crews
    working on this wildfire: http://ow.ly/6b8C50K2YGV


    Frog Peak Cluster (N50677, N50683, N50684, N50685, N50686)
    Located approximately 6.5 kilometres west of the community of Passmore, and currently
    estimated to range in size from 0.009 – 1 hectare. There are two initial attack crews and two
    helicopters working on this cluster in a priority sequence, meaning fires closest to communities
    are prioritized first. No structures are threatened at this time.


    Halfway Creek (N50704)
    Located approximately 2.5 kilometres east of the community of Salmo and currently estimated
    to be 0.009 hectares in size. This fire is burning in rocky and mountainous terrain. An initial
    attack crew is en route and while it is visible to the surrounding communities, it is not currently
    threatening structures.


    As this is an evolving situation, we will continue to update the information over the next few
    days as needed and as detection continues.

    Currently, 22 fires are burning in the Southeast Fire Centre. Since April 1, 2022, there have been
    47 fires covering 67 hectares. The fire danger rating in the Southeast Fire Centre today is a mix
    of moderate and high with small pockets of extreme in the Kootenay Lake and Arrow zones.


    The Southeast Fire Centre extends from the U.S. border in the south to Mica Dam in the north,
    and from the Okanagan Highlands and Monashee Mountains in the west, to the B.C.-Alberta
    border in the east.


    To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell
    phone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures
    and air-quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca


    Follow the latest wildfire news:
    • Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
    • Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo


    Contact:
    Fire Information Officer
    BC Wildfire Service
    Southeast Fire Centre
    250 318-7715

  • Happy Canada Day 2022.
  • Happy First Day of Summer!

    Enjoy the longest day.

  • Happy Father’s Day

    Near or far, in our lives or in our hearts. Have a safe and Happy Father’s Day.