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Earlier this week, the citizens of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., got their first look at the city’s new coat of arms. It had all the typical elements of a medieval coat of arms, but this was clearly no European design.

The motto is in Ojibway, a rugged-looking fur trading post tops the design and the shield is flanked by two timber wolves, both of whom are oddly clutching steelworker’s tools

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Canada may have put a leaf on its flag and picked a beaver for its national animal, but along the way it became home to some of the world’s most visually stunning heraldry.

While other countries may stick to lions, unicorns and medieval shields, Canada’s badges and coats of arms abound with bison mermaids, flying polar bears, fire-breathing Chinese dragons and First Nations monsters — all tossed together in whimsical scenes of fire, ice and glory.

And all of it is officially sanctioned by the Queen.

‘‘If people are willing, we’ll be wild, if they want to be conservative we’ll be conservative, but we’re not short of ideas,” said Chief Herald of Canada Claire Boudreau. “I know that what we do is above any standard that I’ve seen internationally. I can say we’re the top; on that I have no question or hesitation.”