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Lorraine, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
January 20, 2014
Vol. VI, p. 328
Arms of the Down Syndrome Society of Québec - National OrganizationBlazonAzure on a saltire voided throughout of the field a heart Or, on a chief Or three fleurs-de-lis Azure; SymbolismThe colour blue and the fleurs-de-lis symbolize Quebec and the fact that the Down Syndrome Society of Québec is an organization serving the entire province of Quebec. The two saltires represent the Roman numeral XX, or twenty, and the heart the number 1. Together with the three fleurs-de-lis, they suggest trisomy 21, the presence of a third copy of the 21st chromosome, the most common cause of Down’s Syndrome. The saltire also represents a crossroads, thus referring to the motto, as well as a pair of chromosomes. |
CrestBlazonPerched on a mural coronet Azure masoned Or a snowy owl displayed proper charged on the breast with a heart Azure; SymbolismThe snowy owl, the official bird of Quebec, refers to the territory served by the Society and the freedom of people living with Down’s Syndrome to be themselves. The crown shaped like a wall evokes a fort, as well as the last name of the Society founder, Sylvain Fortin. The heart refers to the motto. |
MottoBlazonADDUCUNT NOS IN VIAM CORDIS; SymbolismMeaning “They lead on the road of the heart”, this Latin phrase reminds us that people living with Down’s Syndrome have an unlimited capacity for love. |
SupportersBlazonTwo Emperor penguins, each supporting on its feet a chick and standing on an ice field set with blue flag flowers proper; SymbolismThe emperor penguins and their chicks represent parents whose child is living with Down’s Syndrome. Like the penguins, these parents shower their children with love, protect them against outside elements and give them everything they need to thrive. They also symbolize the support role that the Society brings to these families. The blue flag flower is the floral emblem of Quebec. |
Flag of Down Syndrome Society of Québec - National OrganizationBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Down Syndrome Society of Québec - National OrganizationBlazonOn a lozenge Argent a sword Azure surmounted by a heart Or; SymbolismThe sword is a symbol of justice and represents the many battles waged by the Society to ensure recognition of the rights of individuals living with Down’s Syndrome. The heart recalls the symbolism of the motto. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on October 25, 2014 in Volume 148, page 2733 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Manon Labelle, Miramichi Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterMelissa Aberin CalligrapherDoris Wionzek Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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