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Hamilton, Ontario
Grant of Arms
April 15, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 272
Arms of Matthew O'BrienBlazonVert a dove wings displayed Argent environed by an ouroboros Argent spotted Sable; SymbolismGreen represents Mr. O’Brien’s love of outdoor activities, as well as olive groves in Italy, his mother’s native country. It also alludes to the colour of the army uniform he wore when he was a cadet. The dove and the serpent illustrate the biblical verse Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” The circle formed by the serpent alludes to the initial of his surname. The serpent also echoes the encircling chain on the arms of Hamilton, Ontario, Mr. O’Brien’s birthplace. |
CrestBlazonA raven wings displayed Sable, beaked, membered and charged with a pheon Or; SymbolismKnown for its cleverness, the raven embodies intelligence. The pheon—a heraldic arrowhead—symbolizes weaponry. Together, they represent Mr. O’Brien as a military intelligence officer. The use of birds in both the Arms and the Crest highlights his background in the Air Cadets and his work in the Royal Canadian Air Force. The pheon also marks his enjoyment of hunting and target shooting. |
MottoBlazonVERITAS • LIBERTAS • AMBITIO; SymbolismThis Latin phrase means “Truth, freedom, ambition.” |
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. PainterD. Robert Tunstall CalligrapherKathy Feig Recipient TypeIndividual |