- The Governor General of Canada
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Joseph Louis Gérard Lafontaine
Masonville, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
February 15, 2019
Vol. VII, p. 146
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Blazon
Arms
Argent two naval swords in saltire proper surmounted by a compass rose Azure, in chief three roosters Gules;
Crest
A barred owl wings displayed proper, each charged with a fleur-de-lis Azure;
Motto
IN VERECUNDIA HONOS NASCITUR;
Symbolism
Arms
Blue, white and red are the colours of France and honour Mr. Lafontaine’s French ancestry, as well as his spouse’s country of birth. The swords represent his career as a naval officer and are symbols of courage, fearlessness and victory. The compass rose also represents his career as a sailor and symbolizes exploration, travel and discovery. The rooster is a symbol of courage and of loyalty, and is also an emblem of France. A barnyard animal, it also represents the work of Mr. Lafontaine’s farmer ancestors. There are three roosters, to represent Mr. Lafontaine’s children.
Crest
The owl is a bird which represents happiness, good fortune and wisdom. It is also an important local symbol both in the township of Potton, in Quebec, where Mr. Lafontaine resides, and in Dijon, France, which is his spouse’s home town. The fleur-de-lis is a symbol of cultural identity both of France and of Quebec, and its blue colour further represents these affiliations.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “From respect springs honour.”