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Halifax, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms and Supporters
March 20, 2008
Vol. V, p. 236
Arms of Mayann Elizabeth FrancisBlazonSable two sugar canes in saltire between in chief an Orthodox cross, in base a cross patonce Or and in the flanks two eagle heads erased Argent beaked Or; SymbolismThe sugar canes represent Her Honour’s father and mother, who came from the Caribbean islands of Cuba and Antigua respectively. Cane sugar is a major crop on both islands, and a sugar cane appears in the armorial bearings of Antigua. The X-shape position alludes to the Cross of St. Andrew in the arms and flag of Nova Scotia. The two crosses represent the important role faith and spirituality play in Her Honour’s life, and the one above indicates her connection to the African Orthodox Church, the church in which her father was an Archpriest. The cross patonce is found on the seal of All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Her Honour’s church in Halifax where blessings were sought at an ecumenical service before Her Honour was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. The eagle heads allude to Her Honour’s home region of Cape Breton, where bald eagles are found. The black background colour is one of the colours associated with Africa, the home of Her Honour’s ancestors. |
CrestBlazonA ragdoll cat sejant guardant proper holding a torch Sable enflamed Or; SymbolismThe cat refers to Her Honour’s pet, a ragdoll cat named Angel. The torch it holds indicates Her Honour’s wish that her mandate as Lieutenant Governor serve as a beacon of hope for Nova Scotians of every background and situation. It also alludes to the importance of learning, and is used as the emblem of New York University, from which Her Honour received her graduate degree in Public Administration. |
MottoBlazonCONOCIMIENTO VERIDAD AMOR Y JUSTICIA; SymbolismThese Spanish words mean “Knowledge, truth, love and justice” and are values Her Honour holds. The use of Spanish honours her father’s first language. |
SupportersBlazonTwo horses Argent crined and unguled Or each winged and gorged with an ancient crown Sable and standing on clouds Argent; SymbolismThe horses represent strength, grace and independence, and their colouring alludes to a family heirloom cherished by Her Honour, a mother of pearl brooch with gold embellishments originally used as a watch fob by her grandfather in Cuba. The addition of wings in the main colour of the shield make the horses pegasi, a mythological creature, and also allude to angels, an important idea for Her Honour, as well as to the eagles on the shield. The coronets around their necks are taken from the emblem of St. Mary’s University, Halifax, from which Her Honour earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on November 22, 2008 in Volume 142, page 2983 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterLinda Nicholson CalligrapherDoris Wionzek Recipient TypeIndividual |