RCMP ensigns

Our ensigns (flags) are symbols of history and tradition. They display the colours of our organization, with each ensign unique to its own Division (province/territory) or Branch.

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A brief history of RCMP ensigns

His Excellency Ramon Hnatyshyn, then-Governor General of Canada, presented the RCMP Corps Ensign to then-Commissioner Norman Inkster in 1991. Commissioner Inkster then presented the Divisional ensigns to each province's Lieutenant Governor (except Ontario and Quebec) and the Territorial Commissioners.

Ensigns for Divisions and Branches not fixed to a certain province or territory were also unveiled.

RCMP Corps Ensign

The Corps Ensign includes the regimental colours of royal blue and yellow to form a canton on a field of deep scarlet. The centre of the canton contains a stylized image of the RCMP badge.

The RCMP Corps Ensign displays the official colours of the organization.

The RCMP Corps Ensign displays the official colours of the organization.

The upper left portion of the ensign is known as the canton and is coloured royal blue. Inside the canton is the RCMP badge. A thick yellow line borders the canton on the bottom and right sides.

The remaining area of the ensign (outside of the canton) is known as the field and is coloured deep scarlet.

The fly describes the area (length) of the ensign that is measured from the end of the canton to the far right edge of the ensign, as well as from the attachment (far left side near the bottom) to the farthest point on the right side.


Divisional and branch ensigns

Each ensign contains a unique badge coloured Argent (silver) or Or (gold), or a combination of both. The badges are presented on the fly of the ensign.

"B" Division (Newfoundland and Labrador)

The caribou is taken from the Coat of Arms (Arms) of Newfoundland and is facing the canton. The caribou is wearing a collar of linked red crosses, borrowing from the cross used in the Arms.
Main colour
Gold
Symbol
Caribou
Description
The caribou is taken from the Coat of Arms (Arms) of Newfoundland and is facing the canton. The caribou is wearing a collar of linked red crosses, borrowing from the cross used in the Arms.

"C" Division (Quebec)

The four stylized fleurs-de-lys form a cross or compass rose. This symbolizes the Division headquarters' span of control and direction to the 4 corners of Quebec. The fleurs-de-lys are taken from the Royal Arms of France, drawn from Arms of Canada.
Main colour
Silver
Symbol
Fleur-de-lys
Description
The four stylized fleurs-de-lys form a cross or compass rose. This symbolizes the Division headquarters' span of control and direction to the 4 corners of Quebec. The fleurs-de-lys are taken from the Royal Arms of France, drawn from Arms of Canada.

"D" Division (Manitoba)

The bison is the main symbol of Manitoba. It appears in the Arms and the flag of the province.
Main colour
Gold
Symbol
Bison
Description
The bison is the main symbol of Manitoba. It appears in the Arms and the flag of the province.

"Depot" Division

The cavalry swords represent our organization's cavalry lineage and the skills needed to be an officer: drill, speed, agility, strength, weaponry and self-defence. Above the swords is the lamp of learning, which symbolizes knowledge and wisdom.
Main colour
Silver
Symbol
Crossed cavalry swords, lamp of learning
Description

The cavalry swords represent our organization's cavalry lineage and the skills needed to be an officer:

  • drill
  • speed
  • agility
  • strength
  • weaponry
  • self-defence

Above the swords is the lamp of learning, which symbolizes knowledge and wisdom.


"E" Division (British Columbia)

The badge takes inspiration from the Arms and flag of British Columbia, which also use these symbols. The sun setting over water represents the westernmost part of Canada.
Main colour
Gold
Symbol
Sunset, water
Description
The badge takes inspiration from the Arms and flag of British Columbia, which also use these symbols. The sun setting over water represents the westernmost part of Canada.

"F" Division (Saskatchewan)

The three sheaves of golden wheat are symbolic of Saskatchewan, drawn from the Arms of the province.
Main colour
Gold
Symbol
Wheat
Description
The three sheaves of golden wheat are symbolic of Saskatchewan, drawn from the Arms of the province.

"G" Division (Northwest Territories)

The polar bear is a long-used symbol of the Northwest Territories and symbolic of this arctic region of the world. It appears on official stationary, license plates and their second official flag.
Main colour
Silver
Symbol
Polar bear
Description
The polar bear is a long-used symbol of the Northwest Territories and symbolic of this arctic region of the world. It appears on official stationary, license plates and their second official flag.

"H" Division (Nova Scotia)

The lion in an upright or rampant position is drawn from the Arms and flag of Scotland and Nova Scotia. Rather than a red lion, a silver lion is used and has a collar with the blue Cross of St. Andrews hanging from it.
Main colour
Silver
Symbol
Lion
Description
The lion in an upright or rampant position is drawn from the Arms and flag of Scotland and Nova Scotia. Rather than a red lion, a silver lion is used and has a collar with the blue Cross of St. Andrews hanging from it.

"J" Division (New Brunswick)

The lymphad is a ship with oars in action, with two towers and flags. This imagery also appears in the Arms and flag of New Brunswick. The use of the purple violet, the province's official flower, on the sail sets it apart from the Arms and flag.
Main colour
Gold and silver
Symbol
Lymphad, purple violet
Description
The lymphad is a ship with oars in action, with two towers and flags. This imagery also appears in the Arms and flag of New Brunswick. The use of the purple violet, the province's official flower, on the sail sets it apart from the Arms and flag.

"K" Division (Alberta)

The pronghorn antelope is native to Alberta and appears in the Arms of Alberta. The collar of the Wild Rose of Alberta on the antelope sets it apart from the Arms.
Main colour
Gold
Symbol
Pronghorn antelope, Wild Rose
Description
The pronghorn antelope is native to Alberta and appears in the Arms of Alberta. The collar of the Wild Rose of Alberta on the antelope sets it apart from the Arms.

"L" Division (Prince Edward Island)

This symbolic imagery of Prince Edward Island also appears in the Arms and flag of the province.
Main colour
Gold
Symbol
Oak tree with acorns, water
Description
This symbolic imagery of Prince Edward Island also appears in the Arms and flag of the province.

"M" Division (Yukon Territory)

The husky, a symbol of Yukon, has long been connected to the North and the gold rush. The circle of gold coins surrounding the husky symbolizes the mineral wealth of the territory.
Main colour
Silver and gold
Symbol
Husky, gold coins
Description
The husky, a symbol of Yukon, has long been connected to the North and the gold rush. The circle of gold coins surrounding the husky symbolizes the mineral wealth of the territory.

"O" Division (Ontario)

The sprig of maple leaves (from the Arms) and the Trillium (the official flower of Ontario) come together to form O Division's badge.
Main colour
Gold and silver
Symbol
Sprig of maple leaves, Trillium
Description
The sprig of maple leaves (from the Arms) and the Trillium (the official flower of Ontario) come together to form O Division's badge.

"V" Division (Nunavut)

The Inukshuk and the North Star, beacons for travellers in the isolated northern landscape, form the badge for V Division.
Main colour
Gold
Symbol
Inukshuk, North Star
Description
The Inukshuk and the North Star, beacons for travellers in the isolated northern landscape, form the badge for V Division.

National Headquarters

The badge includes three main symbols with different meanings. Crown: Represents the head of the organization. Maple leaves: Represent the National Capital Region. Horseshoes: Represent our cavalry past.
Main colour
Gold
Symbol
Crown, maple leaf, horseshoe
Description

The badge includes three main symbols with different meanings:

  • Crown: Represents the head of the organization
  • Maple leaves: Represent the National Capital Region
  • Horseshoes: Represent our cavalry past

"National" Division (National Capital Region)

The key symbolizes protection and security, while the sword symbolizes strength in carrying out this security. The Maple Leaf represents the National Capital Region.
Main colour
Silver
Symbol
Maple Leaf, crossed sword and key
Description
The key symbolizes protection and security, while the sword symbolizes strength in carrying out this security. The Maple Leaf represents the National Capital Region.

Equitation Branch (Musical Ride)

The cavalry lances represent the traditional practice of carrying lances during Musical Ride performances. The heraldic horse's head provides a historical link to our cavalry past.
Main colour
Gold
Symbol
Heraldic horse's head, crossed cavalry lances
Description
The cavalry lances represent the traditional practice of carrying lances during Musical Ride performances. The heraldic horse's head provides a historical link to our cavalry past.

Indigenous Policing

The Indigenous Ensign is the newest ensign, unveiled in 2012. It incorporates symbols for each of the Indigenous cultures we serve: Eagle feathers for the First Nations, an Inukshuk for the Inuit, assomption sash for the Métis.The Maple Leaf symbolizes our national mandate.
Main colour
Silver, gold, red
Symbol
Eagle feathers, Inukshuk, Assomption sash, Maple Leaf
Description

The Indigenous Ensign is the newest ensign, unveiled in 2012. It incorporates symbols for each of the Indigenous cultures we serve:

  • Eagle feathers for the First Nations
  • An Inukshuk for the Inuit
  • Assomption sash for the Métis

The Maple Leaf symbolizes our national mandate.


Commissioner's Flag

The crossed sword and baton, crown and star together form the Commissioner's rank insignia.
Main colour
Gold
Symbol
Crossed sword and baton, crown, star
Description
The crossed sword and baton, crown and star together form the Commissioner's rank insignia.

Where is the ensign flown

The divisional or branch ensign may be flown at any RCMP location if there is a second flagpole. If there is a third flagpole, it may be flown with the national and respective provincial or territorial flag. It can't be flown with the flags of Ontario and Quebec.

The Corps Ensign may be displayed on a staff in the office of:

  • an officer of Assistant Commissioner rank or higher
  • Commanding Officers of Divisions
  • Officers Commanding of Sub-Divisions
  • a Detachment

It is also displayed at official RCMP events, such as National Police Week and Musical Ride performances, and at regimental functions (dinners and balls).

The Corps Ensign may be used at a Regimental Funeral to drape the altar for divine service. It may also be displayed on a staff at the church or chapel.

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