Fact Check: "The Great Seal of Canada has been created for every new sovereign since Queen Victoria first authorized it in 1867."
What We Know
The Great Seal of Canada, an official emblem used to authenticate important state documents, was first introduced on July 1, 1867, during Queen Victoria's reign. Each subsequent Canadian monarch has had a distinct Great Seal, with the exception of Edward VIII, who abdicated before a new seal could be created for him (Great Seal of Canada). The seal symbolizes the constitutional authority of the Canadian government, representing the Crown's power bestowed upon it (Great Seal of Canada).
The most recent Great Seal was approved by King Charles III, marking it as the sixth in a series that began with Queen Victoria (CTV News, His Majesty King Charles III approves new Great Seal of Canada). This indicates a consistent practice of creating a new Great Seal for each new sovereign since the establishment of the seal in 1867.
Analysis
The claim that a new Great Seal has been created for every new sovereign since Queen Victoria is supported by multiple credible sources. The historical context provided by the Canadian Encyclopedia confirms that the Great Seal was established in 1867 and has been updated for each monarch thereafter, except for Edward VIII. This aligns with the information from CTV News and the official Government of Canada website, which both state that each new sovereign receives a distinct Great Seal (CTV News, His Majesty King Charles III approves new Great Seal of Canada).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they come from established institutions and media outlets that focus on Canadian history and governance. The information is consistent across multiple platforms, reinforcing the accuracy of the claim. Additionally, the historical significance of the Great Seal and its role in Canadian governance is well-documented, further supporting the assertion that each new monarch has a corresponding seal.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "The Great Seal of Canada has been created for every new sovereign since Queen Victoria first authorized it in 1867" is accurate. Each monarch, with the noted exception of Edward VIII, has been assigned a unique Great Seal, reflecting the continuity of this tradition since the seal's inception.
