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Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Supporters
October 15, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 314
Arms of Richard WagnerBlazonPer pale Gules and Azure an escarbuncle of six rays Argent surmounted by a rose Or barbed Vert; SymbolismRed and blue are emblematic of Canada and Quebec respectively. For Chief Justice Wagner, the fact that the two colours are equally balanced conveys the ideas of equity and justice. The shape of the escarbuncle makes a reference to his name, which in German designates a wheelwright. As an ancient heraldic symbol derived from the metal reinforcements of the shield, it symbolizes Mr. Wagner’s work devoted to strengthening the protections of the law for his fellow citizens. Each spoke represents a field of specialty, a jurisdiction where he appeared in a legal capacity, or a bar or association of which he was a member prior to reaching the position of chief justice of Canada. The composition as a whole symbolizes the far-reaching impact of his career, his ongoing quest for inclusion and diversity, and his work to improve access to justice for all Canadians. The rose honours his parents and their rose garden. |
CrestBlazonAn eagle lectern of two heads Gules beaked and embellished Or; SymbolismThe lectern combines the symbol of the stand from which the lawyer pleads and the judge renders justice, and that of the eagle, known for its keen eye. The lectern thus represents Mr. Wagner’s skills as an orator and his work as an advocate for many causes. The double-headed eagle repeats the symbolism of duality and balance; it also alludes to both the European ancestry of Mr. Wagner’s paternal grandfather and the Canadian ancestry of the other branches of his family. |
MottoBlazonLE PASSÉ INSPIRE L’AVENIR, SymbolismThis French phrase, meaning “The past inspires the future,” summarizes the importance Mr. Wagner places on the lessons of history to help build a more inclusive and representative future for all, and pays tribute to his father, Claude Wagner, who devoted his life to public service. |
SupportersBlazonTwo rams Argent accorné and unguled Or, each holding a violin, standing on a field set with tulips and linden leaves proper in front of a crenellated wall Or; SymbolismFor Chief Justice Wagner, the ram symbolizes determination and leadership. The violin is the instrument with which he learned music and his grandfather Benjamin, the first Wagner immigrant to Canada, earned his livelihood. The wall expresses the ideas of the protection of rights and of the power of justice. The tulip, a symbol of love, is also the emblematic flower of Ottawa, the national capital and the location of the Supreme Court. The linden leaf, which has the shape of a heart, is a symbol of conjugal love; its aroma also evokes Mr. Wagner’s passion for cooking and reminds him of his rare relaxing moments on the golf course. |
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 CalligrapherYolande Lessard Recipient TypeIndividual |