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Markham, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Alexander Ying Ming Lai and Cassandra Ying Tsi Lai
April 15, 2020
Vol. VII, p. 247
Arms of Jim Yuan LaiBlazonArgent an oak tree Gules and a linden tree Vert both eradicated and intertwined, a chief embattled Gules charged with three flames Or; SymbolismThe intertwining trees symbolize the relationship of Dr. Lai and his wife. The image is borrowed from Ovid’s moralizing story of Philemon and Baucis which explores poverty, kindness, and hospitality. The crenelated chief represents his service in the Canadian Armed Forces as a member of the Royal Canadian Dental Corps. The white merlons evoking teeth and gums needing treatment symbolize his occupation as a periodontist. The flames symbolize the active spirit of inspiration in education and allude to Dr. Lai’s service as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto. |
CrestBlazonA fenghuang wings elevated and addorsed Vert embellished Or resting its dexter claw on a Maltese cross Argent; SymbolismThe fenghuang (sometimes called the Chinese phoenix) represents life and happiness, as well as Dr. Lai’s connection to Hong Kong. Green and gold are the colours of Ontario. The cross symbolizes Dr. Lai’s service in the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, in which he served as the Provincial Commissioner of Ontario. |
MottoBlazon高 瞻 遠 矚; SymbolismThese Chinese characters mean “Look far ahead and aim high” in Cantonese. |
Flag of Jim Yuan LaiBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Jim Yuan LaiBlazonA demi-lion Or holding a girdle book Gules clasped Or; SymbolismThe lion represents strength and leadership. The girdle book represents education, both Dr. Lai’s own and his service as Vice-Dean in the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto. |
Differenced Arms for Alexander Ying Ming Lai, child of Jim Yuan LaiBlazonThe Arms of Jim Yuan Lai debruised of a three-point label Or during his father’s lifetime; This individual will inherit the Arms following the death of the Recipient; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Differenced Arms for Cassandra Ying Tsi Lai, child of Jim Yuan LaiBlazonThe Arms of Jim Yuan Lai within a bordure Or; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 27, 2021 in Volume 155, page 1315 of the Canada Gazette.     |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterD. Robert Tunstall CalligrapherKathy Feig Recipient TypeIndividual |