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Brampton, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badge
July 20, 2017
Vol. VI, p. 743
Arms of John Robert WalshBlazonPer fess Argent and Azure a fusil per fess Gules and Argent; SymbolismBlue and white are the colours of Nova Scotia, Mr. Walsh’s home province, while red and white are the colours of Canada. The diamond shape refers to the needle of a compass, a device used in orienteering, in which Mr. Walsh has been active for many years. It also conveys the idea of finding the right path, thus alluding to Mr. Walsh’s career as a teacher and his work with young people. The red part of the needle points north and thus refers to the many years Mr. Walsh spent as a teacher in Nunavut, which is also represented by the white background. |
CrestBlazonA beluga hauriant embowed Argent holding a West African paddle Azure; SymbolismThe beluga is found in Arctic waters, and thus refers to Mr. Walsh’s career in Nunavut, where he witnessed whale hunts and where he once held a whale by the tail. When a whale is caught by Inuit hunters it is apportioned to all parts of the community: the whale thus represents the importance of sharing responsibilities and benefits within a community, values that Mr. Walsh has practised and taught throughout his life. The paddle represents Mr. Walsh’s time in Nigeria, and is another metaphor for guiding people in the right way. |
MottoBlazonFAITH AND ACTION; SymbolismThis phrase is based on the statement “We are men of faith and men of action” used by the Knights of Columbus, of which Mr. Walsh is a member. |
Badge of John Robert WalshBlazonA fusil Argent overall a saltire Azure surmounted by a hackle Or; SymbolismThe X-shape is found on the ring worn by graduates of St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, alluding to the name of the university and to the provincial coat of arms. It indicates Mr. Walsh’s strong identification with the university’s ideal of community service. The yellow hackle is a distinctive part of the uniform of members of the Lorne Scots, the regiment of which Mr. Walsh was a member and of which he remains an active supporter. The lozenge shape repeats the symbolism of the arms. |
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 Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterEva Pilar-Cass CalligrapherKathy Feig Recipient TypeIndividual |