Black Rod 

The Black Rod is an iconic Senate of Canada symbol. A representation of authority, the ebony cane accompanies the Usher of the Black Rod, who is the King's personal messenger and attendant, into the Senate Chamber at the beginning of each sitting.

The original Black Rod was destroyed by the fire that ravaged Parliament Hill’s Centre Block in 1916. Two years later, the British Parliament gifted Canada a new Black Rod, which is still in use today.

Intricately crafted by Crown Jeweller Garrard & Co. Ltd, the details of the Black Rod, from lions to dragons and shields, recall its royal connection.

Queen Elizabeth II had her name and Royal Cypher engraved on the rod’s centre ornament in 2016, when the Usher of the Black Rod took it to Windsor Castle for a royal restoration — a gift to the Senate of Canada from Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of Canada’s 150th birthday.

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