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Montréal, Quebec
Grant of Arms
October 15, 2015
Vol. VI, p. 559
Arms of Stéphane ValléeBlazonGules a beaver couchant Or between two bars enarched, all within a bordure embattled its merlons rounded Argent; SymbolismRed and white are the national colours of Canada. The beaver symbolizes hard work, perseverance and Mr. Vallée’s attachment to his country. The beaver, as the emblem of the very first Canadian stamp issued in 1851, and the border simulating the perforations of a postage stamp, also recall Mr. Vallée’s passion for philately, as well as the leading role he has played in the field of philatelic research. The arched lines create the idea of an upward movement as a reference to Mr. Vallée’s spiritual path and his work in the fields of education, palliative care and spiritual care. They also create a pun on his name, showing a “valley” (vallée in French) nestled between two hills. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from two stone steps Argent, a demi-statue of Janus proper, his head crowned with a coronet of fleurs-de-lis and Maltese crosses Gules holding in his dexter hand a Paschal candle Or enflamed Gules, and in his sinister hand a rod of Aesculapius Or its serpent Gules; SymbolismLike Janus, a benevolent and protective god of Ancient Rome, Mr. Vallée brings comfort and spiritual support to the young and the sick with whom he works. The two faces of Janus embody Mr. Vallée’s dual activity in the worlds of education and health care. The two elements held by Janus reinforce this symbolism, with the candle symbolizing faith, learning and the transmission of knowledge, and the rod of Aesculapius indicating the actions of a caregiver sharing his science. The fleurs-de-lis refer to Mr. Vallée’s roots in Quebec and France, and the cross to his spiritual journey as well as the philanthropic work which led him to be inducted as a knight of the Order of Malta in 2010. The plinth is reminiscent of the emblem of UNESCO, Mr. Vallée being a strong supporter of its ideals, notably through the UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network and as an education expert with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. |
MottoBlazonTOUJOURS SEMER LE BIEN; SymbolismThis phrase meaning “Always sow goodness” in French refers to “Passe en semant le bien” (“Carry on sowing goodness”), the motto of Ste. Thècle, Quebec, Mr. Vallée’s hometown. This phrase serves as an inspiration to him in all his endeavours and strengthens his belief that charity and kindness are the keys to blessedness. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 12, 2016 in Volume 150, page 740 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Samy Khalid, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterMelissa Aberin CalligrapherDoris Wionzek Recipient TypeIndividual |