The Great Seal of
Canada
the Great Seal of Canada is used on all state
documents such as proclamations and commissions of cabinet
ministers, senators, judges and senior government officials.
The seal is made of specially tempered steel,
weighs 3.75 kilograms and is 12.7 centimetres in diameter.
The seal dates back to the beginning of the reign of Elizabeth
the Second, Queen of Canada. A new seal will be struck for
her successor.
The seal bears the effigy of Queen Elizabeth
II, in her robes, holding the orb and sceptre, and shows her
sitting on the coronation chair.
The present seal was made by the Royal Canadian
Mint. The inscriptions on it are in French and English. Previous
Great Seals of Canada were inscribed in latin.
The seal is kept by the Office of the Registrar
General of Canada. The Registrar General is also Minister
of Industry.
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