On June 18, 1997, the government of Prince Edward Island approved the use of two wordmarks certified by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office which is responsible for registering all trademarks in Canada.
Trademark registration protects and controls the use of the image on products and services. "The province of Prince Edward Island markets its products and identity extensively throughout Canada and the world and it is essential that the image of government and business efforts be presented in a professional manner," said Premier Pat Binns.
The provincial government wordmark will be used on all printed and graphic material. The distinctive logo uses a stylized version of the words Prince Edward Island, set on a wave-like base adorned by the province's symbolic oak trees. This trademarked image is readily recognized as the provincial government identity and is available for the exclusive use of the provincial government.
Tourism PEI's new wordmark uses the same stylized lettering, but includes seagulls in flight rather than the traditional oak trees as graphic symbols. As well, the words Tourism or Canada, may be placed below the wave.
Controlling the use of such wordmarks enables the government to build and maintain a consistent image when marketing provincial products and services both home and abroad. Tourism marketing, in particular, relies heavily on consistent imaging and recognizable identities. "The tourism wordmark is designed to convey to our targeted consumers some of the special qualities of the province in a way that is highly recognizable," said Premier Binns.
The provincial government's Coat of Arms, previously used throughout government departments, is now for the exclusive use of the Premier's Office and the Executive Council Office. The Coat of Arms will be used primarily on all Premier's Office letterhead and stationery; Executive Council or Cabinet committee documents; birth, marriage, death certificates and other notices; and on orders or matters before the courts.
Any other use of the Coat of Arms must be authorized by Lynn Ellsworth, Clerk of the Executive Council, pursuant to section 2 of the Coat of Arms Act, R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. C-10.
Both trademarks are available in English and French.