Federal Identity Program
Manual

The FIP Manual is issued under the authority of the FIP policy and applies to institutions subject to the Federal Identity Program policy. All institutions, including those not subject to the policy in full, must nevertheless comply with FIP requirements concerning the use and display of the official symbols of the Government of Canada.

The FIP Manual provides four types of information: mandatory standards; technical specification; management guidance; and guidelines and best practices.

While navigating through this site you may wish to print excerpts or entire volumes. Select "Complete FIP Manual (PDF)" from the lower left side menu to access bilingual PDF files of each volume of the FIP Manual. By using these file to printing hardcopy you will minimize paper usage and maximize image quality.

Important Updates

Volumes of the FIP Manual are posted on this web site in their original published form. Since their publishing (1987-1996), several events have occurred that require specific mention. Additionally, reference may be made in the FIP Manual to documents or government policies which have since been since superseded by other documents.

1. Coat of Arms modified in 1994

The Coat of Arms, also known as the Arms of Canada, was modified in 1994. The modified version supersedes the former design of the Coat of Arms. In all instances where the Coat of Arms is displayed, institutions must ensure the correct version is used. Approved electronic files of the Coat of Arms may be obtained through Knowledge Exchange Service by calling 819-956-0790. If you have access to government's publiservice web site, you may register and download the symbols at the following the address: http://knowledgexchange.pwgsc.gc.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.home&lang=e.

2. Standard for Primary identification sign modified 1996

Modifications to the primary identification signs affect the top band or blade. The modified standard requires the use of a light grey blade on top equal to the bottom blade, and bear a FIP signature consisting of a red flag symbol with the accompanying title in black. The new standard is to be applied on all new signs and whenever existing signs are being replaced or refurbished. All institution should use the standing offer described below to ensure all signage conforms to FIP requirements.

National Standing Offer

A National Standing Offer is currently in place for the design, manufacturing and installation of all forms of Government of Canada signage. All institutions are strongly encouraged to make use of this service to ensure quality, policy compliance, consistency and durability of government signage. Public Works and Government Services Canada provides advice and support in using the standing offer. Enquiries may be directed to: signage@pwgsc.gc.ca

Official Symbols of the Government of Canada

Official symbols of the Government of Canada are protected against unauthorized use in Canada under Section 9(1)(n) of Canada's Trade-Marks Act, and protected internationally under article 6ter of the Paris Convention.

Presently, the Knowledge Exchange Service of Public Works and Government Services Canada is the distributor of these symbols. Approved electronic copies of the "Canada" wordmark, Coat of Arms, and Government of Canada corporate signature may be obtained by calling 819-956-0790. If you have access to government's publiservice web site, you may register and download the symbols at the following the address: http://knowledgexchange.pwgsc.gc.ca/sessite/ses_download.cfm?ProductID=26.

	The Coat of Arms is used to identify ministers and their offices, parliamentary secretaries institutions whose heads report directly to Parliament, as well as institutions with quasi-judicial functions. When applied in the context of FIP, the Coat of Arms is always used with a bilingual title.
	The flag symbol is used to identify all departments, agencies, corporations, commissions, boards, councils, and other federal bodies and activities, unless they are authorized to be identified by the Coat of Arms. When applied in the context of FIP, the symbol is always used with a bilingual title.
	The "Canada" wordmark is the global identifier of the Government of Canada and is used in association with the appropriate FIP signature.