The shield is topped by the Union Jack, representing British Columbia’s colonial beginnings. The waving blue and white lines and the setting sun symbolize British Columbia’s geographic position between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Atop the crest sit the Armorial Bearings, comprised of the Royal Crest (crowned lion) standing upon the Royal Crown of sovereignty which rests upon a wreath which, in turn, sits atop a gold helmet. The lion often wears a collar of Dogwood flowers, the official flower of British Columbia. The supporters, a stag and ram, symbolize the former colonies, Vancouver Island and British Columbia. They stand upon a decorative vine of Dogwood flowers. The motto, Splendor Sine Occasu, means ‘Splendour Without Diminishment’.
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