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Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Supporters
March 15, 2012
Vol. VI, p. 133
Arms of Noël Augustus KinsellaBlazonArgent on a fess between in chief two suns in splendour Gules and in base a lion passant Sable, the Mace of the Senate of Canada Or; SymbolismThe white, red and black colours, the horizontal band and the lion are elements found in traditional Irish coats of arms used by Kinsellas. The two suns are taken from the arms of St. Thomas University in Fredericton, where Mr. Kinsella spent 41 years teaching psychology, philosophy and human rights. They represent the light of the mind as exercised by the philosopher, and the informing light of revelation as experienced by the theologian, each of which finds expression in the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas. The Mace of the Senate of Canada symbolizes Mr. Kinsella’s appointment as Speaker of the Senate in 2006 and his 22 years in Parliament. The red stripe suggests the red carpet of the Senate chamber. The lion represents courage, leadership and strength, three important values in Speaker Kinsella’s life and career. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a circlet of fleurs-de-lis, fiddleheads and shamrocks Vert, a dove close proper holding in its beak a flame Gules; SymbolismThe dove and flame represent the field of human rights, in which Mr. Kinsella has been active all his life, notably as the chairperson of the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission for 22 years, as President of the Canadian Human Rights Foundation, and as a member of the Advisory Council of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The fleurs-de-lis, shamrocks and fiddleheads honour Mr. Kinsella’s Acadian heritage from his maternal grandmother, as well as his Irish heritage and his home province, New Brunswick. |
MottoBlazonLUCERNA PEDIBUS MEIS VERBUM TUUM; SymbolismThis Latin phrase, meaning “Your word is a lamp unto my feet”, is taken from Psalm 119:105. |
SupportersBlazonTwo white-tailed deer proper each charged on the shoulder with a pomme bearing an open book Argent and standing on a bed of maple leaves Gules; SymbolismThe white tailed deer are taken from the arms of New Brunswick and represent Mr. Kinsella’s home province. The open books refer to continuous learning and education, as well as Speaker Kinsella’s lifelong involvement in these fields. The maple leaves represent Speaker Kinsella’s service to Canadians and his love for his country. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on November 3, 2012 in Volume 146, page 3053 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 CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeIndividual |