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.
Grande-Digue, New Brunswick
Grant of Arms and Supporters
January 31, 1995
Vol. II, p. 1
Arms of Roméo Adrien LeBlancBlazonArgent on a pile Gules the Star of Acadia ensigned by a representation of the Royal Crown Or; SymbolismWhite, one of Canada's national colours, is represented on the shield. It recalls Mr. LeBlanc's family name, which is one of the most prevalent in Acadia. Canada's other national colour, red, appears on the "V" or "pile" as it is known in heraldry. It refers to the Valley of the Memramcook, His Excellency's native region in New Brunswick and site of his birth place, L'Anseaux-Cormier. At the centre is the star of Acadia, symbol of the Acadian people since 1884, honouring His Excellency's Acadian roots. The Royal Crown refers to his appointment as the 25th Governor General since Confederation. |
CrestBlazonFour eagle feathers Argent quilled Or encircled with a band of Micmac porcupine quill decoration Gules embellished with a barrulet dancetty Argent; SymbolismThe four eagle feathers encircled by a band of Micmac quill decoration honour the First Peoples of Canada and their artistry and cultures. The eagle feathers, a symbol of peace for many of the First Peoples, also represent Mr. and Mrs. LeBlanc's four children. The use of feathers also alludes to traditional heraldic emblems associated with Her Excellency's family. |
MottoBlazonSEMPER AMISSOS MEMINISSE DECET; SymbolismThis Latin phrase means "It is proper to remember the ones who have been left behind". |
SupportersBlazonRising from a mound Argent semé of maple leaves Gules between waves of the sea Azure crested Argent two dolphins Argent finned and tailed and gorged with a garland of fleurs-de-lys Or and maple leaves Gules pendant therefrom a hurt charged dexter with a steam locomotive wheel and sinister with a closed book Or clasped Gules; SymbolismThe dolphin supporters recall Mr. LeBlanc's original ancestor who settled in Acadia in about 1650 on the Rivière Dauphin (now the Annapolis River). They also celebrate His Excellency's maritime heritage in Atlantic Canada and his service as federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. Composed of fleurs-de-lys and maple leaves, the dolphins' collars represent Mr. LeBlanc's service to Canada, his Acadian roots and the various French language communities of the country. The steam locomotive wheel on the medallion on the left dolphin honours His Excellency's father's service on Canadian railways and, more widely, the pivotal role of such transport in our national history. On the right is a book, recalling Mr. LeBlanc's career as a teacher and celebrating the vital role of learning in personal and national development. The two dolphin supporters stand on a compartment symbolizing Canada from sea to sea, and the multi-ethnic character of the Canadian people. The central portion also recalls the Micmac origin of the word Memramcook, meaning multicoloured landscape. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on April 22, 1995 in Volume 129, page 1191 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. PainterCathy Bursey-Sabourin / Debra MacGarvie CalligrapherJudith Bainbridge Recipient TypeIndividual Special DesignationGovernor General |