- The Governor General of Canada
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Claude Joseph Daniel Bigras
Montréal, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Alain Joseph Richard Maurice Bigras, Julien Joseph Claude Lafleur Bigras and Émilie Irène-Carmen Pelletier
December 15, 2020
Vol. VII, p. 308
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Blazon
Arms
Per fess Azure and Gules in chief a lion couchant guardant Or, in base three sprigs of Scotch broom issuant from a strawberry flower barbed and seeded proper;
Crest
A beaver sejant erect Or on a grassy mount proper holding in its dexter paw a key its bow upward in the form of a fleur-de-lis Azure and resting its sinister paw on a strawberry proper;
Motto
AVEC CŒUR ET PASSION;
Symbolism
Arms
The blue, which is Mr. Bigras’ favourite colour, represents the St. Lawrence River, while the red represents Montréal, where he lives. The lion, both serene and vigilant, staring straight at the observer, reflects Mr. Bigras’ leadership, energy and composure throughout his career. The three flowering broom sprigs allude to his two sons and stepdaughter. Highly resistant and used both to rehabilitate disused areas and formerly in the manufacture of brushes and brooms, the broom plant symbolizes hard work and cleanliness. Here, it more specifically represents Mr. Bigras’ career with janitorial services and building maintenance companies, as well as the values that guide his work, such as integrity, motivation and passion. The strawberry flower alludes to his spouse’s surname Lafleur, meaning “the flower” in French. Calling to mind homemade pies and jams made from freshly picked strawberries, this delicate flower also represents tradition, family and love, the ingredients of life that are dear to Mr. Bigras.
Crest
The beaver, a symbol of industry, alludes to Mr. Bigras’ career in construction and building maintenance. It also represents his Canadian patriotism. The key refers to Mr. Bigras’ career in the fields of janitorial services and investments. More generally, it symbolizes his sense of responsibility. The colour blue and fleur-de-lis indicate his Quebec identity. The strawberry, with its blood-red colour and heart shape, symbolizes passion, thus reiterating Mr. Bigras’ motto.
Motto
This French phrase means “With heart and passion.”