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Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Supporters, with differences to Rhonda Michele Patterson, Dianne Marie Panarella and Whitney Howard Fraser
March 15, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 264
Arms of Whitney Grant FraserBlazonAzure a cinquefoil within a pentagon reversed voided conjoined with a chevron Argent; SymbolismBlue and white are the colours of the flags of Nova Scotia, His Excellency’s birthplace, and Scotland, his ancestors’ country of origin. The central design evokes a microphone to represent his career in broadcasting and journalism. It merges a cut-diamond shape, symbolizing clarity of mind and purity of heart, and a chevron, a metaphor for steadfastness. This many-angled shape alludes to His Excellency’s career, which led him on a life-long journey to explore all parts of Canada – including much of its northern territories – and observe the interconnectedness and interdependence of its peoples and elements. The stylized flower, used in the arms of many Fraser families, makes a canting reference to his surname, which is derived from the French word for “strawberry plant.” The five petals of the flower represent him with his four children: Rhonda, the late Sonia, Dianne and Whitney. |
CrestBlazonA bald eagle wings displayed and inverted affronty standing on a bed of spruce twigs proper; SymbolismThe eagle, known for its strength and piercing vision, holds special significance for His Excellency, who has often seen one on transformative occasions in his life. Its wings, open in a protective stance, signify his role as father and spouse as well as the importance of family and life. The twigs of spruce, Nova Scotia’s tree emblem, honour His Excellency’s ancestral ties to that province extending back for many generations. |
MottoBlazonSTAND FAST • READY; SymbolismThis phrase combines the mottoes of the Scottish clans Grant (“Stand fast”), representing his maternal line, and Fraser (Je suis prest, a French phrase meaning “I am ready”), for his paternal ancestry. |
SupportersBlazonTwo narwhals proper each gorged of a collar Azure pendent therefrom a hurt charged that to the dexter with a microphone that to the sinister with a pen nib Argent, each rising from barry wavy Argent and Azure on either side of a rocky mount set with strawberry and blueberry patches proper; SymbolismTo His Excellency, the narwhals, which are unique to the Arctic, are one of the most beautiful marine species. They are known for being intelligent, sociable and in tune with the environment. The microphone and pen nib represent his career as a broadcaster and as a print journalist and writer. The strawberries, whose flower is the emblem of the Fraser Clan, represent his own children, while the blueberries are for the children of his wife Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary May Simon, Governor General of Canada. |
Differenced Arms for Rhonda Michele Patterson, child of Whitney Grant FraserBlazonThe Arms of Whitney Grant Fraser within a bordure Or; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Differenced Arms for Dianne Marie Panarella, child of Whitney Grant FraserBlazonThe Arms of Whitney Grant Fraser within a bordure Argent; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Differenced Arms for Whitney Howard Fraser, child of Whitney Grant FraserBlazonThe Arms of Whitney Grant Fraser within a bordure compony Or and Azure during his father’s lifetime; This individual will ultimately inherit the Arms; 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 Samy Khalid, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterDebra MacGarvie CalligrapherKathy Feig Recipient TypeIndividual |