North wants third sea added to national motto
Last Updated: Friday, March 10, 2006 | 5:06 PM CT
CBC News
Northern leaders want the country's official motto changed to recognize Canada's third coastline along the Arctic Ocean.
| Canada's Latin motto |
| Canada's motto, "A Mari usque ad Mare" (Latin for "From sea to sea"), is taken from the Bible: "He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth" (Psalms 72:8).
The first official use of the motto in Canada was recorded in 1906, when it was engraved on the head of the mace of the legislative assembly for the new province of Saskatchewan. Sir Joseph Pope later proposed it as the motto for the new design of the Canadian coat of arms, which was approved in 1921. |
Right now, Canada's motto is "From sea to sea."
Newly-elected Western Arctic NDP MP Dennis Bevington thinks it should read "From sea to sea to sea" to truly reflect the country. He is preparing a private member's bill to request the change.
"I really do think this is something Canadians can rally around," says Bevington.
The three northern premiers are behind the change.
Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie says the expanded motto is more inclusive.
"It is much more reflective of this federation, of this great country of ours, Canada, to ensure that all Canadians and the global community recognize that Canada is made up of a country from sea to sea to sea," says Fentie.
The longer version also speaks to the bigger role he expects the North will be playing in the country's future.
