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Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Supporters
March 5, 1996
Vol. III, p. 78
Arms of Helen Kathleen MussallemBlazonGules a cedar of Lebanon erased and encircled by six maple leaves stems inward Or; SymbolismThe cedar of Lebanon honours the heritage of Dr. Mussallem and her parents, and the six maple leaves represent their six Canadian-born children. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a grassy mound Vert two maple trees trunks Argent leaves alternately Or and Gules; SymbolismThe two trees symbolize Solomon Mussallem and Annie Bassette, Dr. Mussallem’s parents and the founders of the Canadian branch of the family. |
MottoBlazonNON MINISTRARI SED MINISTRARE; SymbolismNON MINISTRARI SED MINISTRARE means “Not to be ministered unto but to minister” and refers to the motto used by her basic school of nursing, the Vancouver General Hospital School of Nursing. |
MottoBlazonFREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED FREELY GIVE; SymbolismFREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED FREELY GIVE is taken from Matthew 10:8 and is a special saying often stated by Dr. Mussallem’s mother. |
SupportersBlazonOn a grassy mound Vert set dexter and sinister with a lamp respectant Or enflamed Gules rising above barry wavy Argent and Azure two female cougars Or gorged with a collar set on the upper edge with hearts Gules pendant therefrom dexter a torteau charged with a globe described in lines Or sinister a torteau charged with a Greek cross surmounted by a cross of Antioch Or; SymbolismThe cougars are animals of grace, spirit and determination, qualities exemplified by Dr. Mussallem. They are also native to British Columbia and thus celebrate her birthplace. The globe medallion symbolizes the international character of Dr. Mussallem’s professional and volunteer service as a special advisor to national and international health organizations. The medallion showing the Greek cross juxtaposed with the cross of Antioch alludes to her parents’ Christian denominations. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on November 23, 1996 in Volume 130, page 3279 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept by Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority PainterJoan Bouwmeester CalligrapherJoan Bouwmeester Recipient TypeIndividual |