McGill University

Feb 20

The flag of McGill University is a distinctive and meaningful symbol that represents the rich heritage and identity of one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. It is an armorial banner derived directly from the university’s coat of arms, incorporating elements that reflect both its founder, James McGill, and its connection to the city of Montréal and Canada as a whole.

At the heart of the flag’s design are the three red martlets, stylized birds that appear prominently. These martlets originally come from the coat of arms of James McGill, the Scottish-Canadian merchant and philanthropist who founded the university in 1821. While the martlets on the coat of arms are arranged two above and one below, on the flag they are aligned in a single horizontal row, maintaining their symbolic significance but simplifying the visual arrangement for the banner format. The martlets are set against a white field, which along with the red color of the birds, ties directly to Canada’s national colors — red and white. This connection highlights McGill University’s place within the Canadian cultural and educational landscape.

A notable feature of the coat of arms—and thus reflected in the flag—is the dancetty partition line near the upper middle of the shield. This zigzag line represents the three hills of Montréal, where the university is located. The hills, including the famous Mount Royal, are a defining geographic and cultural feature of the city, and their inclusion in the emblem connects the university firmly to its urban environment.

The open book displayed on the coat of arms is a classic symbol of learning and education, reinforcing McGill’s commitment to scholarship and knowledge. Inscribed on the book is the Latin motto “In Domino Confido,” which means “I trust in the Lord.” This phrase was also the personal motto of James McGill, reflecting his faith and guiding principles. The presence of this motto underscores the university’s historical roots and its continuing dedication to intellectual and moral values.

Additionally, the coat of arms includes two crowns adorned with fleur-de-lis symbols. These crowns signify the university’s geographical setting at the base of Mount Royal—the mountain whose name means “Royal Mountain” and which holds symbolic importance for the city of Montréal. The fleur-de-lis is a historic emblem associated with French heritage, acknowledging the French cultural influence in the region and the university’s place within a bilingual and multicultural city.