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
Registration of a Badge
June 15, 2010
Vol. V, p. 520
Badge of the Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceBlazonA roundel Bleu Celeste charged with a bison’s head caboshed proper, within an annulus Azure edged and inscribed with the Motto in letters Or, environed by maple leaves Vert and ensigned by the Royal Crown proper resting on a scroll Azure inscribed CANADA in letters Or; SymbolismThe Royal Crown, the maple leaves and scroll with “Canada” represent service to Canada of this police force created to uphold the Crown’s peace, and have been present, together with the bison’s head, from the first use of the badge, c. 1876. The crown also relates to the permission given by King Edward VII in 1904 to use the word “Royal” in the force’s name, and to signify that the reigning monarch is the Honorary Commissioner. The bison alludes to the prairie grasslands where the police force performed their first duties, the early members of the police force depending on the animals for food, fuel, and clothing. Royal blue is a colour traditionally associated with police forces. |
MottoBlazonMAINTIENS LE DROIT; SymbolismThis French phrase means “uphold the right”, or alternately, “maintain the right” and “defend the law”. In a slightly different form (“Maintien le droit”), this motto was previously used by the Grand Trunk Railway Regiment from c. 1866 to 1881, and later by the North-West Mounted Police. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 26, 2011 in Volume 145, page 1074 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of the North-West Mounted Police, the predecessor of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. PainterNot applicable CalligrapherNot applicable Recipient TypeCivil Institution
|