Canada's current motto is "From sea to sea," referring to how its land mass touches both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
But if northern members of Parliament and territorial leaders get their way, the motto would become "From sea to sea to sea," adding a reference to the Arctic Ocean.
"I really do think this is something Canadians can rally around," said Dennis Bevington, the newly elected NDP member of Parliament for the federal riding of Western Arctic.
The third sea
He intends to introduce a private member's bill proposing the change.
Territorial leaders approve of crusade
The leaders of Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon are backing the change.
Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie said an expanded motto would be more inclusive.
"It is much more reflective of this federation, of this great country of ours, Canada, to ensure that all Canadians and the global community recognize that Canada is made up of a country from sea to sea to sea," said Fentie.
The longer version also speaks to the bigger role Fentie expects the North will be playing in the country's future.
Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper may be receptive to the change, given that he stressed Canada's claim over the Arctic during his first major news conference after being elected on Jan. 23.
- FROM JAN. 26, 2006: Harper brushes off U.S. criticism of Arctic plan
Harper has promised to spend $5.3 billion over five years to defend northern waters against possible sovereignty claims by Americans, Russians and Danes.
"A Mari usque ad Mare" or "From sea to sea," has been Canada's official motto since 1921. It is taken from the Old Testament of the Bible, Psalm 72, Verse 8: "He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth."
THE MOTTO
The first official use of the motto in Canada was recorded in 1906, when it was engraved on the head of the mace of the legislative assembly for the new province of Saskatchewan.
Sir Joseph Pope later proposed it as the motto for the new design of the Canadian coat of arms, which was approved in 1921.
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