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Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Supporters
July 15, 2017
Vol. VI, p. 744
Arms of Joseph Jacques Jean ChrétienBlazonGules 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; SymbolismThe 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. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from flames Or a phoenix wings elevated and addorsed Azure beaked and crested Gules holding in its beak an open scroll proper; SymbolismThe 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. |
MottoBlazonLABORARE AD AEDIFICANDUM; SymbolismThis Latin phrase means “Work to build”. |
SupportersBlazonTwo 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; SymbolismThe 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 |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 31, 2018 in Volume 152, page 896 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Manon Labelle, Miramichi Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterCathy Bursey-Sabourin CalligrapherDoris Wionzek Recipient TypeIndividual Special DesignationPrime Minister |