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, Batons, and Badges of Office
January 15, 1994
Vol. II, p. 281
Arms of the Canadian Heraldic AuthorityBlazonArgent on a maple leaf Gules an inescutcheon Argent; SymbolismThe nature and work of the Authority itself are represented in the shield of arms, on which Canada’s red maple leaf bears a plain white shield as a sign of heraldry to be created and recorded for Canadians. |
CrestBlazonA lion passant guardant Or royally crowned Proper its dexter forepaw resting on an escutcheon Argent charged with a maple leaf Gules; SymbolismThe crest is a variation of the Royal Crest of Canada, emblematic of the viceregal office. In this case, the crowned Royal Lion carries a white shield bearing a red maple leaf, symbolizing the exercise of the Sovereign’s heraldic prerogative by the Governor General. |
MottoBlazonHONORENTUR · PATRIAM · HONORANTES; SymbolismThe Latin motto can be translated as: "Let those who honour their country be honoured". |
SupportersBlazonOn a representation of an outcrop of the Canadian Shield proper strewn with maple leaves Gules and maple seeds Or two raven-bears Gules over Argent wings elevated Gules beaked and armed Or; SymbolismThe supporters are special heraldic beasts, half raven and half polar bear. Many First Nations in Canada regard the raven as a creator or transformer, while the polar bear is known for its strength and endurance. These supporters represent the responsibility of Canada's heralds to create symbols for a wide range of Canadian institutions and individuals. The supporters rest on an outcrop of the Canadian Shield, representing the solid foundations on which the Authority has been established. |
Arms of Office of the Chief Herald of CanadaBlazonFor the Chief Herald of Canada: Gules an inescutcheon Argent charged with a maple leaf Gules and ensigned by a coronet érablé Argent the rim set with twelve jewels Gules (six visible); SymbolismFor the Chief Herald of Canada: Red and white are the colours of Canada. The shield bearing a maple leaf is emblematic of Canadian heraldry, while the maple leaf coronet indicates that the granting of arms is a power exercised on behalf of the Crown. |
Insignia - HonourBlazonBaton of Office of the Chief Herald of Canada: A staff Argent spiralled of a band Azure charged with maple leaves Argent at either end a ferrule Or charged with escutcheons of the Arms of the Chief Herald of Canada the ends tipped Gules; SymbolismBaton of Office of the Chief Herald of Canada: The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Arms of Office of the Deputy Herald ChancellorBlazonFor the Deputy Herald Chancellor: Gules a maple tree eradicated within a bordure Argent; SymbolismFor the Deputy Herald Chancellor: The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Insignia - HonourBlazonBaton of Office of the Deputy Herald Chancellor: A staff Argent spiralled of escutcheons of the Arms of the Canadian Heraldic Authority fimbriated Gules the ends tipped also Gules; SymbolismBaton of Office of the Deputy Herald Chancellor: The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Arms of Office for the Herald ChancellorBlazonFor the Herald Chancellor: Gules a maple tree eradicated Or; SymbolismFor the Herald Chancellor: As well as being a national emblem, the maple tree represents the predominant species on the grounds of Rideau Hall, the official site of the Authority. |
Insignia - HonourBlazonBaton of Office of the Herald Chancellor: A staff Gules spiralled of escutcheons of the Arms of the Canadian Heraldic Authority the ends tipped Or; SymbolismBaton of Office of the Herald Chancellor: The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Office for Saint-Laurent HeraldBlazonFor Saint-Laurent Herald: A cross flory Azure surmounting a grid Or enflamed proper; SymbolismFor Saint-Laurent Herald: The gridiron symbol of the martyrdom of St. Lawrence, the namesake of Eastern Canada's greatest and most historic river, is shown enflamed beneath a blue cross, the ends of which terminate in fleurs-de-lis, symbol of Royal France, New France and Quebec. |
Badge of Office for Athabaska HeraldBlazonFor the Athabaska Herald: A wild rose Gules seeded Or surmounting two Athapascan copper knives in saltire Or bound Sable; SymbolismFor Athabaska Herald: The Wild Rose, floral emblem of the province of Alberta, is placed over two traditional Athapascan copper knives, honouring this native linguistic group and the great river and region of Northwestern Canada, which share various spellings of this name. |
Badge of Office of Fraser HeraldBlazonFor the Fraser Herald: A sun in splendour the disk barry wavy Azure and Or charged with fraise Argent the straight rays Or the wavy Azure; SymbolismFor Fraser Herald: The badge combines symbolism of the sun and water, indicating that the Fraser River is the most important river in British Columbia, which features a sun on its provincial arms. Traditionally, water is depicted in heraldry by white and blue wavy stripes, and the substitution here of gold for white makes a reference to the gold deposits in the Fraser River, which led to the Cariboo gold rush. At the centre of the badge is a cinquefoil, a stylized heraldic flower of five petals. As this is a feature of coats of arms within the Scottish Clan Fraser, it pays tribute to the river's namesake, the explorer Simon Fraser. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 24, 2001 in Volume 135, page 936 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 / Joan Bouwmeester CalligrapherJoan Bouwmeester Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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