The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Registration of Arms, Supporters and Flag
July 20, 2007
Vol. V, p. 160
Arms of the Province of Nova ScotiaBlazonArgent a saltire Azure, overall on an escutcheon Or a lion rampant within a double tressure flory-counter-flory Gules; SymbolismThe Royal Arms of Scotland on the national flag of Scotland with reversed colours symbolize that Nova Scotia was originally a colony of Scotland with royal support. |
CrestBlazonA branch of laurel and a thistle issuing from two hands conjoined, the dexter gauntleted in armour, all proper; SymbolismThe two styles of hands and flora represent the peoples of (Old) Scotland and (New) Scotland coming together as protectors and builders with a goal of peace to create the province. |
MottoBlazonMUNIT HAEC ET ALTERA VINCIT; SymbolismThis is translated as “This one defends and the other conquers” in which “This one” refers to Scotland and “the other” refers to Nova Scotia. |
SupportersBlazonDexter a unicorn Argent armed crined and unguled Or, crowned with the Royal Crown of Scotland proper, and gorged with a coronet composed of crosses patté and fleurs-de-lis a chain affixed thereto and reflexed Or, sinister a 17th-century representation of an Indigenous person holding in the sinister hand an arrow proper, both standing on a grassy mound Vert set with thistles and mayflowers slipped and leaved proper; SymbolismThe unicorn bearing the royal crown of Scotland indicates the support of the King of Scotland for this land which was legally part of Scotland. The man illustrates a 17th-century representation of a North American Indigenous person. They stand on a compartment that shows the provincial flower, the mayflower, entwined with the thistle. |
Flag of the Province of Nova ScotiaBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 8, 2008 in Volume 142, page 550 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Not applicable PainterGordon Macpherson CalligrapherNancy Ellis Recipient TypeCivil Institution
Other InformationThe recipient’s emblems were originally recorded in the records of the Court of the Lord Lyon, Edinburgh, Scotland, 28 May 1625. |