- The Governor General of Canada
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Sûreté du Québec
Montreal, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Shields of Office and Shields for the major branches
March 15, 2005
Vol. IV, p. 473
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Blazon
Arms
Chequy Vert and Or, a fleur-de-lis Argent;
Crest
A snowy owl rising affronty proper;
Supporters
Two moose proper, that to the dexter supporting the Flag of the Province of Quebec (Azure a cross between four fleurs-de-lis Argent), that to the sinister supporting the Flag of the Sûreté du Québec (Vert on a Canadian pale Or, the Badge of the Sûreté du Québec, vis, On a hurt a fleur-de-lis Argent all within an annulus Or inscribed SÛRETÉ DU QUÉBEC and POLICE in letters Sable, encircled by a wreath of oak leaves Or, above the Motto of the Sûreté du Québec), the supporters standing on a grassy mound set with birch and oak branches proper fructed Or;
Motto
SERVICE INTÉGRITÉ JUSTICE;
Symbolism
Arms
The chequy covering of the entire surface of the shield is a powerful, striking symbol. The check pattern and right-angled divisions symbolize order and authority. Alternating the colours symbolizes constancy and planning. The check pattern also conveys the ideas of systematic surveillance and territorial protection. The fleur de lis, a central feature of the Sûreté’s emblem adopted in 1983, refers to the fleurs-de-lis on the Quebec flag and the iris versicolor, which has been Quebec’s floral emblem since 1999.
Crest
The snowy owl, Quebec’s avian symbol since 1987, symbolizes the conservation of resources and the concern of Quebeckers for their environment and quality of life. It symbolizes the whiteness of Quebec winters, the settling in a semi northern climate, and the vast expanse of the territory. It represents the virtues of vigilance, observation and protection.
Supporters
The moose, king of Quebec’s forests, symbolizes pride and righteousness and commands respect. Found in abundance in Abitibi, the moose refers to the establishment of the first regional Sûreté post. It also symbolizes the legislated role of all Sûreté du Québec officers to act as wildlife officers. The oak leaves have been part of the Sûreté’s emblem since 1983, and the yellow birch has been Quebec’s official tree since 1999.
Motto
SERVICE INTÉGRITÉ JUSTICE, meaning “Service integrity justice,” was adopted by the Sûreté du Québec in 1983. SERVICE characterizes the desire to serve the public and continuously meet the expectations of Quebeckers. INTÉGRITÉ suggests that police officers must be exemplary in the performance of their duties. JUSTICE refers to the Sûreté’s legislative mandate.