D-12.1 - Act respecting the flag and emblems of Québec

Updated to 5 November 1999

This document has official status.

chapter D-12.1

Act respecting the flag and emblems of Québec

1. The flag of Québec is a white cross on a blue field, with a white fleur-de-lis in each canton or, in heraldic terms, azure, a cross between four fleurs-de-lis argent.

The flag is of the proportions three by length and two by width.

1999, c. 51, s. 1.

2. The flag is the national emblem of Québec and must be flown on the central tower of the Parliament Building.

As the national emblem of Québec, the flag shall be displayed at official events and in the places, cases and circumstances determined by regulation of the Government.

In all cases, the flag of Québec has precedence over any other flag or emblem.

1999, c. 51, s. 2.

3. The twenty-first day of January shall be Québec Flag Day.

1999, c. 51, s. 3.

4. The coat of arms of Québec, which is the emblem of the State, is established by the Government, which may authorize its use.

1999, c. 51, s. 4.

5. The emblematic tree of Québec is the yellow birch, known scientifically as Betula alleghaniensis (Britton).

The emblematic flower of Québec is the blue flag, known scientifically as Iris versicolor (Linné).

The emblematic bird of Québec is the snowy owl, known scientifically as Nyctea scandiaca (Linné).

1999, c. 51, s. 5.

6. The Government may, by regulation,

(1)  determine conditions governing the use of the emblems of Québec,

(2)  fix standards for the manufacture and reproduction of the emblems, and

(3)  standardize the representation of the emblems.

1999, c. 51, s. 6.

7. No person may use an emblem of Québec in such a way as to falsely suggest that

(1)  the user is vested with the authority of the State or acts on behalf or with the authorization or approval of the State, or

(2)  a document, an instrument, information, a product or a service emanates from the State or one of its institutions.

1999, c. 51, s. 7.

8. Every person who contravenes section 7 is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $50,000, having regard, in particular, to the profits derived from the offence and the damage caused to the State or one of its institutions.

1999, c. 51, s. 8.

9. The arms of Québec, granted on 26 May 1868 by Her Majesty Queen Victoria, shall remain the property of the State.

1999, c. 51, s. 9.

10. (Omitted).

1999, c. 51, s. 10.

Not in force

11. Section 318.1 of the Cities and Towns Act (chapter C-19) is repealed.

1999, c. 51, s. 11.

Not in force

12. Article 146 of the Municipal Code of Québec (chapter C-27.1) is repealed.

1999, c. 51, s. 12.

13. (Amendment integrated into c. S-6.1, s. 2).

1999, c. 51, s. 13.

14. The Décret sur les armoiries du Québec (R.R.Q., 1981, c. D-13, r. 1), the Order respecting the flag of Québec (R.R.Q., 1981, c. D-13, r. 2) and the Order respecting the use of the flag and coat of arms of Québec (R.R.Q., 1981, c. D-13, r. 3) are deemed to have been made under this Act.

1999, c. 51, s. 14.

15. The Government shall designate the Minister responsible for the administration of this Act.

1999, c. 51, s. 15.

The Minister of the French Language is responsible for the administration of this Act. Order in Council 121-2024 dated 7 February 2024, (2024) 156 G.O. 2 (French), 1091.

16. (Omitted).

1999, c. 51, s. 16.