The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
Heraldry Today

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Edward Roberts

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Grant of Arms and Supporters
April 15, 2004
Vol. IV, p. 366

Arms of Edward Roberts

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Blazon

Arms

Paly of eight Gules and Argent a fess counterchanged, overall on a bend sinister Azure four coronets erablé Argent;

Crest

A demi caribou Gules attired and holding with its dexter hoof a balance Argent;

Supporters

Two Labrador dogs Or each gorged with a collar of Labrador spruce pendent therefrom a roundel of Labradorite, standing on a rocky mound proper;

Motto

QUIT YE LIKE MEN BE STRONG;


Symbolism

Arms

The basic pattern of the field, resembling books on a bookshelf, represents His Honour's deep interest in books and his outstanding collection of material on the Province's history. Red and white are Canada's national colours and two of the main colours of the arms of Newfoundland and Labrador, thus dramatizing his varied service to Canada and to the Province. The blue band is a symbolic representation of the Strait of Belle Isle and produces two parts to the field, referring to the two parts of the Province. The four coronets are symbols for His Honour's two daughters and two stepdaughters. The maple leaves which form them refer to his service to Canada and to the Crown, as well as to the people of the Province as Lieutenant Governor.

Crest

The colours continue the symbolism of the arms. The caribou is based on the crest of the Province's armorial bearings. The scales of justice refer to His Honour's profession and to the concepts of equity and justice which he has pursued as a member of the bar and as a legislator.

Supporters

The Labrador dogs represent the mainland part of the Province, as do the collars of Labrador spruce and medallions of Labradorite. The rock on which they stand is a reference to the colloquial name for the island part of the Province.

Motto

The motto of His Honour's school, St. Andrew's College, Aurora, Ontario, and is taken from 1 Cor. 16:13.