Great Seal of Canada
| Monarchy of Canada |
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The Great Seal of Canada (French: Grand Sceau du Canada) is an official great seal used for certifying the authenticity of important state documents issued in the name of the Canadian monarch. As a symbol of the Crown's authority, it represents the constitutional power bestowed upon Canada's parliamentary government by the sovereign. While primarily a tool of governance, the Great Seal is also considered an unofficial symbol of Canada.
Since Canadian Confederation in 1867, each Canadian monarch has had a distinct Great Seal, with the exception of Edward VIII. The seal is under the formal custody of the governor general of Canada, though day-to-day care is managed by the registrar general of Canada.
Originally a deputed seal to the British Great Seal of the Realm, the Great Seal of Canada was later elevated in status with the passage of the Seals Act of 1939. Reflecting Canada's transition from a British dominion to an independent realm, it now symbolizes Canada's own sovereign authority.