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The Canadian Bar Association

Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
August 13, 1993
Vol. II, p. 252

Arms of The Canadian Bar Association
Arms of The Canadian Bar Association Arms of The Canadian Bar Association

Arms of The Canadian Bar Association

Blazon

Argent a double ansul Azure within an orle of twelve maple leaves Gules;

Symbolism

The central device is a new invention in heraldry, the double ansul or double scales of justice to represent the two great legal traditions in Canada: the common law and the civil code. It is surrounded by maple leaves, one for each of the provincial and territorial components of the Association. The colours are red and white, the national colours of Canada, and the blue of the Association.

Crest of The Canadian Bar Association

Blazon

A demi lion Azure gorged with a wing collar holding in the dexter forepaw a bell the sinister forepaw resting on a bowl placed on its edge all Argent;

Symbolism

The crest combines a lion wearing a wing collar, a distinctive mark of the profession representing the majesty and strength of the law, with the silver bell and silver rosewater bowl, two historic emblems of the Association’s activities as a body corporate.

Motto of The Canadian Bar Association

Blazon

HONESTAS COLLEGII FUNDAMENTUM IUSTITIAE;

Symbolism

This Latin phrase means "The integrity of the profession is the foundation of justice".

Supporters of The Canadian Bar Association

Blazon

On a mahogany panel proper set with a bar Or two griffins Gules over Ermine winged Argent;

Symbolism

The traditional bar mounted on mahogany represents the main forum, the court, in which the practice of law unfolds, and is the support for the griffins, ancient symbols of justice and equity. The griffin repeats Canada’s national colours, which are also those of the ceremonial robes of the Justices of the Supreme Court. The historic links between the Court and the Association are celebrated with the addition of ermine.
Flag of The Canadian Bar Association Flag of The Canadian Bar Association

Flag of The Canadian Bar Association

Blazon

A banner of the Arms with a bordure compony Argent and Gules on the three outer edges;

Symbolism

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge of The Canadian Bar Association Badge of The Canadian Bar Association

Badge of The Canadian Bar Association

Blazon

A lawyer's robe affronté Sable charged with a double ansul Or;

Symbolism

This combines the lawyer’s gown, representing the members of the profession “in action”, with the double ansul as the symbol of the Association membership.

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on November 6, 1993 in Volume 127, page 3407 of the Canada Gazette.
Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to The Canadian Bar Association Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to The Canadian Bar Association

Additional Information