- 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.
Joseph Ralph Harper
Montréal, Quebec
Registration of Arms
July 15, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 395
[ previous page ]
Blazon
Arms
Per fess Sable and Or a lion rampant counterchanged gorged with an antique crown Gules and holding a harp Or;
Crest
A demi-lion per fess Or and Sable gorged with an antique coronet Gules and holding a harp Or;
Motto
TE DEUM LAUDAMUS;
Symbolism
Arms
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. A lion is common in the arms of persons bearing the name Harper. The harp is a canting reference to Mr. Harper’s surname. The crown likely refers to his father’s time living in China, as this is also called an eastern crown.
Crest
The lion, harp and crown repeat the symbolism of the Arms.
Motto
This Latin expression means “We praise thee, O God.” This is the opening line of an ancient Christian song of thanksgiving.