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Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Supporters and a Flag
November 15, 2011
Vol. VI, p. 73
Arms of Claire BoudreauBlazonAzure an orle Argent; SymbolismThe blue colour represents the French origins of Claire Boudreau. The narrow line (orle) appears as a second shield within the main shield and highlights both the importance of heraldry in her life and her doctoral research in this field. The orle and the overall simplicity of the design express both the absolute notion of the Cartesian “whole”, contained but continuous, and the idea that infinity can be contained within the span of one’s life or within any other given framework. |
CrestBlazonA panther rampant Azure incensed proper; SymbolismThe panther in the crest is a monster spewing fire from its mouth, nostrils and ears. It is the most appropriate symbol to express human passion in any domain. The heraldic panther is endowed with the body of a lion, a horse’s head with horns, a griffin’s forelegs and a lion’s hind legs. This diversified nature makes it a symbol of tolerance and of the spirit of adventure by which alone the frontiers of the unknown can be pushed back. |
MottoBlazonARDENTE; SymbolismARDENTE, meaning “fervent”, along with the panther in the crest is a reference to the totemic name “Panthère ardente” (“Fiery panther”) given to Claire Boudreau within the Scout movement in 1978. The motto therefore contains a second allusion to passion, a sort of internal flame that drives one to outstanding achievements. |
SupportersBlazonTwo panthers incensed holding a girdle book and standing on a rocky mount proper; SymbolismRepeating the symbolism of the crest, the multicoloured panthers are based on examples found in mediaeval miniatures. They hold mediaeval “girdle books”, which were portable books held to the owner’s belt by a knot in their binding. These indicate that the best inventions are often simple and eminently practical concepts. |
Flag of Claire BoudreauBlazonA banner of the Arms (Azure an orle Argent); SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Claire BoudreauBlazonA panther's face Azure incensed proper jessant-de-lis Argent; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on November 30, 2013 in Volume 147, page 2705 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Claire Boudreau, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterGordon Macpherson / Debra MacGarvie CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeIndividual |