- The Governor General of Canada
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Andrew Mark Lewis Smith
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Amelia Jane Adair Smith
May 15, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 377
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Blazon
Arms
Per bend sinister Vert and Gules, on a bend sinister Argent three fish winged Sable;
Crest
A fish bendwise sinister uriant Argent winged dexter Vert sinister Gules, holding in its mouth an annulet Sable;
Motto
SIMILE GIGNIT SIMILE;
Symbolism
Arms
Pink (represented here by red), white and green are found in one of the first unofficial flags of Newfoundland and therefore symbolize Mr. Smith’s upbringing in that province. The fish represent him and his two brothers. They also refer to the traditional economy of Newfoundland, while the wings represent the fact that Mr. Smith and many of his compatriots have moved away to find new opportunities. The uncommon orientation of the diagonal band, blazoned as “sinister” (meaning left but depicted to the viewer’s right), indicates Mr. Smith’s left-handedness as well as his life-long ambition to do things differently.
Crest
The winged fish and colours repeat the symbolism of the Arms. Here depicted head down, the fish also embodies the idea of diving into academic studies. The ring alludes to the iron ring presented to graduating engineers, thus referring to Mr. Smith’s profession. The downward position of the fish was inspired by a crest in Conrad Grünenberg’s Wappenbuch, reflecting Mr. Smith’s love of heraldry.
Motto
This Latin phrase, meaning “Like begets like,” reflects Mr. Smith’s conviction that doing good inspires others to do good.