Eugène-Etienne Tache (1836-1912)

Eugène-Etienne Tache (25 October 1836 – 13 March 1912) was a French Canadian surveyor, civil engineer, illustrator and architect. He devised the Quebec’s provincial coat-of-arms and motto Je me souviens. In 1861 he began working for the Department of Crown Lands, and in 1869 he became the assistant commissioner of Crown lands for Quebec, a position in which he was subordinate only to the elected minister of Crown Lands. He held this post until his death. During his time as assistant commissioner, Taché did extensive architectural work. Although he hadn’t studied it formally, Taché learned a great deal from books and journals that he read. He designed the legislative building in Quebec City, the new courthouse, and various other buildings, including a monastery. He devised the province’s coat-of-arms and motto, Je me souviens (“I remember”).