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Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Supporters
May 15, 2009
Vol. V, p. 448
Arms of David Charles OnleyBlazonAzure on a pile reversed an open book Argent bound and charged with a Latin cross Azure; SymbolismThe triangle represents the bow wave of a rising space shuttle, alluding to the image of the front cover of His Honour’s book Shuttle (1981), and thus to his interest in aerospace. The book and cross speak to Their Honours’ Christian faith as a foundation of their lives. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a Loyalist civil coronet Azure a phoenix Or issuant from flames proper and holding in its beak a cane Azure; SymbolismThe phoenix represents the Christian ideas of suffering and resurrection. The phoenix amid flames is also a traditional crest associated with Onley arms in England. The cane alludes to His Honour’s work in being a champion for people with visible and non-visible disabilities. The Loyalist coronet represents Their Honours’ identification with ancestors who supported the Crown. |
MottoBlazonPER ARDUA AD ALTA; SymbolismThis Latin phrase, meaning “Through difficulties to the heights,” alludes to the spirit of overcoming challenges to fulfill one’s potential. |
SupportersBlazonTwo eagles wings elevated and addorsed Or each gorged with a coronet erablé Azure and standing on a grassy mount Vert set with three apples Gules slipped Or; SymbolismThe eagles allude to the fathers of Their Honours, each of whom served oversees in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. The coronet speaks to a Canadian identity. The apples connect to Her Honour’s family, her father having been an apple grower. They also represent Their Honours’ three sons. |
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 Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterCatherine Fitzpatrick CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeIndividual Special DesignationLieutenant Governor |