, Canada
1939 - Québec adopts the motto Je me souviens (I remember)

In 1939, the province of Québec formally adopted the motto Je me souviens, meaning “I remember,” which would become one of the most iconic symbols of Quebecois identity. The phrase, originally coined by Eugène-Étienne Taché, the architect of the Québec Parliament building, appeared on the building’s façade as early as 1883, but its official adoption as the provincial motto in 1939 solidified its role in representing Québec’s unique history, culture, and collective memory.

Je me souviens carries deep historical resonance. It evokes the province’s French heritage, the legacy of New France, and the struggles of its people to preserve language, religion, and culture under British rule. The motto also functions as a reminder of past triumphs and tragedies, including military, political, and social challenges, encouraging Quebecers to maintain a connection to their history and identity while navigating the modern era.

Beyond its symbolic meaning, the motto would come to appear on Québec license plates, coins, and official documents, embedding itself in everyday life and public consciousness. Its adoption in 1939 thus represents more than a formal declaration; it is a statement of cultural pride and continuity, reflecting the province’s determination to remember and honor its distinct heritage within the broader Canadian federation. Je me souviens remains a lasting emblem of Québec’s identity, balancing historical remembrance with civic and cultural expression.



Visit Canada
Discover the people who lived there, the places they visited and the stories they shared.