The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Ottawa, Ontario
Registration of the Arms and Supporters of His Majesty the King in Right of Canada
September 15, 2022
Vol. VIII, p. 111
Arms of His Majesty the King in Right of CanadaBlazonTierced in fess, the first and second divisions quarterly, 1st Gules three lions passant guardant in pale Or, 2nd Or a lion rampant within a double tressure flory-counter-flory Gules, 3rd Azure a harp Or stringed Argent, 4th Azure three fleurs-de-lis Or, and the third division Argent a sprig of three maple leaves proper;
SymbolismThe sprig of three maple leaves represents all Canadians, the maple leaf having been used as a symbol of Canadian identity since the early 19th century. The other four sections are the three lions of England, the lion within a double tressure of fleurs-de-lis of Scotland, the harp of Ireland and the fleurs-de-lis of France.
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CrestBlazonA lion passant guardant Or wearing the Royal Crown proper and holding a maple leaf Gules;
SymbolismDerived from the royal crest of England, a gold lion wearing the Royal Crown, the crest of Canada includes a red maple leaf as a national symbol. Used on its own, the crest is the emblem of the Governor General of Canada.
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MottoBlazonA MARI USQUE AD MARE; SymbolismMeaning “From sea to sea,” this Latin phrase is taken from the biblical verse “He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth” (Psalm 72:8). It alludes to the vastness of the geography of Canada. |
SupportersBlazonDexter a lion Or holding a lance Argent its point Or flying therefrom to the dexter the Royal Union Flag, sinister a unicorn Argent armed, crined and unguled Or, gorged of a coronet of crosses patté and fleurs-de-lis a chain affixed thereto and reflexed Or, holding a like lance flying therefrom to the sinister a banner Azure charged with three fleurs-de-lis Or, both standing on a scroll Azure edged and inscribed with the Motto in letters Or, above a wreath of roses, thistles, shamrocks and lilies proper; SymbolismThe lion and the unicorn are inspired by the supporters of the royal arms of England and Scotland. The flags that they hold are the Royal Union Flag (Union Jack) and the royal banner of France respectively, an acknowledgement of the two countries from which Canada’s legal and governmental institutions are derived. The flowers at the base are also emblems of these nations: the Tudor rose of England, the thistle of Scotland, the shamrock of Ireland, and the lily of France. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationSince 2023, grants, registrations and approvals of heraldic emblems are no longer announced in the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of the Government of Canada, assisted by the College of Arms, London. PainterCathy Bursey-Sabourin CalligrapherNot applicable Recipient TypeCivil Institution
Other InformationThe recipient’s emblems were approved by Order in Council on 21 April 1921, and by Royal Proclamation on 21 November 1921. |