At the upper part of the shield is the red cross of St. George, representing England.

The lower portion of the shield features a bison standing atop a rock on a green background, a symbol of First Nations peoples of the area who derived food and clothing from the animal.

The original arms, consisting of only the shield, were granted by royal warrant of King Edward VII on 10 May 1905.

[1][2] The arms were further augmented with supporters, a crest, and motto, by a warrant of then-Governor General Ramon Hnatyshyn on 23 October 1992.

The coat of arms was augmented on 23 October 1992 by a vice-regal warrant of then-Governor General Ramon Hnatyshyn to include a crest, supporters, and motto.