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.
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badges
December 10, 2007
Vol. V, p. 191
Arms of the Federal CourtBlazonOr on a Canadian pale Sable in chief three scrolls, two in saltire one in pale Or, bound by a ribbon chequy Or and Sable; SymbolismThe structure and colour of the shield symbolize the robes of its judges, black with yellow panels. The scrolls symbolize the important documents of the law, including the Constitution, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, treaties with aboriginal peoples, statutes, international instruments, and jurisprudence. The scrolls also symbolize two principal Canadian legal traditions, the civil law and the common law. These and other recognized sources of law come together, shown here by the use of the cord, in the written decisions of the Court, a superior court of record. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a coronet of maple leaves and fleurs-de-lis, a balance Or; SymbolismThe balance is an ancient symbol for justice, indicating the careful weighing of evidence before decisions are taken. Its maple leaf finial emphasizes that this is a national institution. The coronet of maple leaves and fleurs-de-lis provides a further symbol of the civil code and the common law. |
MottoBlazonEQUITY • DROIT • ADMIRALTY; SymbolismThe motto derives from the Court’s statutory mandate and emphasizes the Court’s bilingual nature. The positioning of DROIT in the centre of the scroll suggests the supremacy of the rule of law. |
SupportersBlazonTwo sea-caribou Or, that to the dexter male, that to the sinister female, both with wings and tarsi Sable and set on a cloth chequy Or and Sable above a bar wavy Or; SymbolismThe chequerboard pattern is symbolic of the Court’s predecessor, the Exchequer Court of Canada. The winged sea caribou is a mythic creature representing the Court’s involvement with issues on the land, in the sea and other waters, and in the air. The three constituent creatures, the caribou, the raven and the salmon are found in most parts of Canada. The male and female supporters represent the equality of the sexes, as well as the fact that the Court is comprised of both male and female judicial officers. The wavy band of gold represents the waters of the three oceans bordering Canada, reflecting the fact that the Court functions in all parts of Canada. |
Flag of the Federal CourtBlazonA banner of the Arms within a bordure compony Or and Sable; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of the Federal CourtBlazonBadge of the Court: On a pellet three scrolls, two in saltire one in pale Or, bound by a ribbon chequy Or and Sable; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Office for the Registrar of the Federal CourtBlazonBadge of Office for the Registrar: The Badge of the Court surmounting two quill pens in saltire Or; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Office for the Ushers of the Federal CourtBlazonBadge of Office for the Ushers: The Badge of the Court surmounting two batons in saltire Or tipped Sable; 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 November 22, 2008 in Volume 142, page 2982 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, and Claire Boudreau, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterEva Pilar-Cass CalligrapherDoris Wionzek Recipient TypeCivil Institution
|