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Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms
November 15, 2006
Vol. V, p. 82
Arms of The Canadian Bar AssociationBlazonArgent a double ansul Azure within an orle of maple leaves Gules; SymbolismThe central device is a new invention in heraldry, the double ansul or double scales of justice to represent the two great legal traditions in Canada: the common law and the civil code. It is surrounded by maple leaves, one for each of the provincial and territorial components of the Association. The colours are red and white, the national colours of Canada, and the blue of the Association. |
CrestBlazonA demi-lion Azure gorged with a wing collar holding in the dexter forepaw a bell the sinister forepaw resting on a bowl placed on its edge, all Argent; (As Vol. II, p. 252) SymbolismThe crest combines a lion wearing a wing collar, a distinctive mark of the profession representing the majesty and strength of the law, with the silver bell and silver rosewater bowl, two historic emblems of the Association’s activities as a body corporate. |
MottoBlazonHONESTAS COLLEGII FUNDAMENTUM IUSTITIAE; (As Vol. II, p. 252) SymbolismMeaning “The integrity of the profession is the foundation of justice”. |
SupportersBlazonTwo griffins per fess Gules and Ermine winged Argent standing on a mahogany panel proper set with a bar Or; (As Vol. II, p. 252) SymbolismThe traditional bar mounted on mahogany represents the main forum, the court, in which the practice of law unfolds, and is the support for the griffins, ancient symbols of justice and equity. The griffin repeats Canada’s national colours, which are also those of the ceremonial robes of the Justices of the Supreme Court. The historic links between the Court and the Association are celebrated with the addition of ermine. |
Flag of The Canadian Bar AssociationBlazonA banner of the Arms; (As Vol. II, p. 252) SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of The Canadian Bar Association (As Vol. II, p. 252)BlazonA lawyer’s robe Sable charged with a double ansul Or; (As Vol. II, p. 252) SymbolismThis combines the lawyer’s gown, representing the members of the profession “in action”, with the double ansul as the symbol of the Association membership. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 17, 2007 in Volume 141, page 587 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterDavid Farrar CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeCivil Institution
Other InformationOne or more entries related to this Recipient's emblems appear elsewhere in the Register: Volume II, p. 252. |