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Gatineau, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Élina Nour-El-Sabah Metlej and Renaud Shawi Metlej
September 15, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 208
Arms of François Imad MetlejBlazonAzure a Cerberus sejant affronty Or, each head collared chequy Vert and Argent; SymbolismCerberus is a three-headed dog who, according to Greek mythology, guards the kingdom of Hades. He symbolizes vigilance and defence, and thus Mr. Metlej’s responsibilities during his career as a soldier and police officer. As a terrifying creature from the Underworld, Cerberus also serves as a constant reminder of the need to face one’s fears and a call to courage. Blue and gold are often associated with policing, underscoring Mr. Metlej’s profession. Blue also evokes the Mediterranean and thus his childhood in Lebanon. |
CrestBlazonA tower Or masoned Azure charged with an orange blossom leaved, all between two olive branches proper; SymbolismThe tower is a defensive structure that refers to the military and police professions not only of Mr. Metlej, but also of several members of his family over several generations. More particularly, it represents the castle of Saint-Gilles in his hometown of Tripoli, Lebanon. Lebanon is also represented here by the orange blossom. The olive branch, a symbol of peace, recalls the trees in his childhood garden. |
MottoBlazonVIRTUS ET HONOS; SymbolismThis Latin phrase means “Courage and honour.” |
Flag of François Imad MetlejBlazonAzure the Cerberus of the Arms cantoned by four orange blossoms proper; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of François Imad MetlejBlazonTwo scimitars in saltire surmounted by an orange slipped and leaved proper; SymbolismThe arrangement of the two swords in the shape of an X is common to badges of many Canadian Armed Forces units, and recalls Mr. Metlej’s military service. As they are scimitars—Arab swords with curved blades—these weapons also evoke his Lebanese origins. The orange echoes the symbolism of the orange blossom in the crest. |
Differenced Arms for Élina Nour-El-Sabah Metlej, child of François Imad MetlejBlazonThe Arms of François Imad Metlej debruised of a three-point label Argent during her father’s lifetime; This individual will ultimately inherit the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Differenced Arms for Renaud Shawi Metlej, child of François Imad MetlejBlazonThe Arms of François Imad Metlej Or instead of Azure and the Cerberus Azure instead of Or; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
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 Fabienne Fusade, Miramichi Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterMelissa Aberin CalligrapherKathy Feig Recipient TypeIndividual |