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St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Grant of Arms and Supporters
May 15, 2009
Vol. V, p. 447
Arms of John Carnell CrosbieBlazonGules on a cross between in dexter chief and sinister base an escallop and in sinister chief and dexter base a mascle Or, a lymphad Sable its sail Argent its flags Gules; SymbolismThese are the arms designed for His Honour’s brother Andrew Crosbie in 1970, with the border of a second son removed to show His Honour’s senior place in the family. The yellow cross on red is the basic coat of arms of the Crosbies of Dumfries in the Scottish border region, the prominent cross making a pun on the name Crosbie. The shells are taken from Scottish Graham arms and mark the Graham ancestry of the family. The diamond shapes mark the family’s mercantile endeavours, and the ship indicates the shipping and fish export aspects of the family firm, Crosbie and Company, founded by His Honour’s grandfather, Sir John Chalker Crosbie. |
CrestBlazonA dexter mailed fist proper holding a Latin cross Or; SymbolismThis was originally designed for Andrew Crosbie, and provides another pun on the surname. |
MottoBlazonTENDO AD ASTRA; SymbolismThis Latin motto, originally assigned to Andrew Crosbie, means “I aim for the stars”. |
SupportersBlazonTwo harp seals proper each charged on the shoulder with a torteau bearing a balance Or and standing on a carpet Vert; SymbolismThe harp seals mark the importance of seals and the seal hunt to the Crosbie family business. The seal hunt has been a significant part of the Newfoundland and Labrador economy that His Honour vigorously defended during his years in public life. The balances, or scales of justice, mark his profession as a lawyer. The green carpet marks his service in the Newfoundland House of Assembly (1966-1976) and the House of Commons of Canada (1976-1993). Green is the traditional colour of lower houses of parliament. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on December 12, 2009 in Volume 143, page 3681 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Malcolm Innes of Edingight, then Marchmont Herald at the Court of the Lord Lyon, Edinburgh (Arms, Crest and Motto) and Bruce Patterson, Saint-Laurent Herald (Supporters), assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterCatherine Fitzpatrick CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeIndividual Special DesignationLieutenant Governor |