Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia

Oct 3

The flag of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia is a distinctive emblem that represents the vice-regal representative of the King in the province. Like other Canadian lieutenant governor flags, it features elements that tie it to both the province and the Crown, symbolizing the historical and constitutional relationship between Nova Scotia and the monarchy.

The current flag consists of a blue field with the Union Jack in the canton, reflecting Nova Scotia’s British heritage. At the center of the fly is the province’s shield of arms, encircled by a wreath of ten gold maple leaves and surmounted by a St. Edward’s Crown. The maple leaves symbolize Canada, while the crown represents the monarch’s authority. This design is standard for lieutenant governor flags across Canada, reinforcing the connection between the federal and provincial levels of government.

The shield of Nova Scotia, displayed on the flag, is one of the oldest in Canada, granted in 1625 by King Charles I. It features a blue saltire on a white field, reminiscent of the Scottish national flag, reflecting the province’s Scottish roots. At the center is a gold shield with a red lion rampant, a reversal of Scotland’s Royal Arms. This unique heraldic design highlights Nova Scotia’s deep ties to both Scotland and the British monarchy.

The lieutenant governor’s flag has undergone several changes over time. Earlier versions followed the British colonial tradition of displaying the Union Jack with the provincial shield in the center. This was the standard design for colonial governors’ flags across the British Empire. However, in 1980, the current format was adopted, bringing uniformity to the flags of Canada’s lieutenant governors.

The addition of the golden maple leaf wreath and the crown was an effort to integrate distinctly Canadian symbolism while maintaining traditional elements. This change reflected a broader movement within Canada to assert national identity while preserving ties to the constitutional monarchy.

The flag of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia is used exclusively in official vice-regal capacities. It is flown at Government House in Halifax, the official residence of the lieutenant governor, whenever the officeholder is in residence. It is also displayed on vehicles used for official functions and at provincial events where the lieutenant governor is present. When the lieutenant governor leaves office, the flag is lowered, and the new officeholder receives a new flag upon appointment. Unlike the provincial flag, which represents Nova Scotia as a whole, the lieutenant governor’s flag is a personal standard that signifies the presence and authority of the Crown’s representative in the province.