Arms of Joseph Jacques Jean Chrétien
Arms of Joseph Jacques Jean Chrétien
Blazon
Gules a beehive Or with three bees Argent embellished Sable, in the canton the mark of the Prime Ministership of Canada (four maple leaves conjoined in cross) Argent;
Symbolism
The beehive, a symbol of work and of creativity in service to the community, represents Mr. Chrétien’s assiduous and hardworking nature. Red and white are the colours of Canada. Red is also the official colour of the Liberal Party of Canada, of which Mr. Chrétien was leader from 1990 to 2003. The maple leaves arranged in cross, the mark of the Prime Minister of Canada, indicate that Mr. Chrétien served in that capacity from 1993 to 2003.
Crest of Joseph Jacques Jean Chrétien
Blazon
Issuant from flames Or a phoenix wings elevated and addorsed Azure beaked and crested Gules holding in its beak an open scroll proper;
Symbolism
The phoenix, a mythical animal that rises from its ashes, embodies Mr. Chrétien’s perseverance and the many achievements of his career. The scroll symbolizes the Constitution of Canada and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, two pillars of the Canadian political system at the heart of Mr. Chrétien’s achievements as Minister of Justice. It also represents his love of reading and of history.
Motto of Joseph Jacques Jean Chrétien
Blazon
LABORARE AD AEDIFICANDUM;
Symbolism
This Latin phrase means “Work to build”.
Supporters of Joseph Jacques Jean Chrétien
Blazon
Two polar bears proper each charged on the shoulder with a Latin cross pendent from each crossbeam two balance pans Gules, standing on a rocky mount proper set with maple leaves Gules and fleurs-de-lis Azure and issuant from barry-wavy Argent and Azure;
Symbolism
The polar bears refer to Mr. Chrétien’s service as Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, and to his fondness for pieces of artwork depicting this majestic animal. The balances on their shoulders allude to Mr. Chrétien’s career as a lawyer and as Minister of Justice. They are suspended from crosses, which represent his Catholic faith and provide a canting reference to his surname, which means “Christian” in French. The maple leaves refer to Canada and his French-Canadian identity, and the fleurs-de-lis to his French origins. The waves refer to the Saint-Maurice River located in Mr. Chrétien’s hometown of Shawinigan
