- The Governor General of Canada
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Jim Yuan Lai
Markham, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Alexander Ying Ming Lai and Cassandra Ying Tsi Lai
April 15, 2020
Vol. VII, p. 247
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Blazon
Arms
Argent an oak tree Gules and a linden tree Vert both eradicated and intertwined, a chief embattled Gules charged with three flames Or;
Crest
A fenghuang wings elevated and addorsed Vert embellished Or resting its dexter claw on a Maltese cross Argent;
Motto
高 瞻 遠 矚;
Symbolism
Arms
The intertwining trees symbolize the relationship of Dr. Lai and his wife. The image is borrowed from Ovid’s moralizing story of Philemon and Baucis which explores poverty, kindness, and hospitality. The crenelated chief represents his service in the Canadian Armed Forces as a member of the Royal Canadian Dental Corps. The white merlons evoking teeth and gums needing treatment symbolize his occupation as a periodontist. The flames symbolize the active spirit of inspiration in education and allude to Dr. Lai’s service as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto.
Crest
The fenghuang (sometimes called the Chinese phoenix) represents life and happiness, as well as Dr. Lai’s connection to Hong Kong. Green and gold are the colours of Ontario. The cross symbolizes Dr. Lai’s service in the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, in which he served as the Provincial Commissioner of Ontario.
Motto
These Chinese characters mean “Look far ahead and aim high” in Cantonese.