- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
William David Sinclair
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Douglas Norman Sinclair, Jessica Elizabeth Gamble and Oliver Andrew Gamble
November 15, 2019
Vol. VII, p. 220
[ previous page ]
Blazon
Arms
Azure in chief a sun in splendour Or its bottom ray extended, in base a snowflake, in the flanks two trout hauriant Argent;
Crest
An otter wearing a miner’s helmet paddling a canoe, its prow and stern each charged with the Greek letter nu (ν) Sable, issuant from a bar wavy Azure charged with a barrulet wavy Argent;
Motto
REJOICE IN DISCOVERY;
Symbolism
Arms
The sun represents the stellar origin of neutrinos, whose detection and study have played a central role in Dr. Sinclair’s career. Its extended ray represents the path of neutrino particles from a star across the cosmos. The snowflake represents the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory, commonly known as SNOLAB, the facility where Dr. Sinclair conducted his research. The trout allude to sport fishing and Dr. Sinclair’s love of the outdoors. The dark blue represents water and Dr. Sinclair’s love of natural waterways, as well as the darkness of outer space, through which neutrinos travel.
Crest
The otter is Dr. Sinclair’s favourite animal. Its appearance here represents his good humour and acts as a reminder to find enjoyment in life and work. The canoe represents one of Dr. Sinclair’s favourite recreational activities, and also alludes to his love for the outdoors. The miner’s helmet represents Dr. Sinclair’s work at SNOLAB, which is located deep underground within a mine. The Greek letter ν (nu) is used as a scientific symbol to designate neutrinos. The blue and white wavy bars represent water and outdoor recreation, as well as the waves of oscillation of neutrinos as they travel through space. The three bands represent the three possible quantum states of neutrinos.
Motto
This phrase represents Dr. Sinclair’s feeling of wonderment and elation at scientific discovery, and his conviction that meaningful work can lead to profound satisfaction and fulfilment.