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The Millennium Foundation of Canada

Vancouver, British Columbia
Grant of Arms
September 3, 1996
Vol. III, p. 116

Arms of The Millennium Foundation of Canada

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Blazon

Arms

Or a phoenix Purpure issuant from flames Gules between in chief and in base two bars gemel wavy Purpure;

Crest

A coronet rim set on the upper edge with maple seedlings Or and incised with a frieze of flames Or edged Gules;

Motto

CARPE MOMENTUM SAECULI NOVI;


Symbolism

Arms

The gold colour represents the sun, light and new life. The phoenix rising from the flames is an allusion to the newness or transformation ensconced in a new century and indeed, in the birth of a new millennium. The purple wavy stripes symbolize the air or vibration element and are also the sign of Aquarius, itself an icon of a new era. These purple waves also allude to new technologies such as the Internet, which the Millennium Foundation itself has employed extensively to raise awareness about leaving a legacy for the environment.

Crest

A golden coronet composed of maple leaf seedlings represents the Canadian initiative behind the concept of The Millennium Foundation of Canada. The coronet’s circle of red-edged flames is another allusion to the phoenix and to new opportunities.

Motto

This Latin phrase means “Seize the turning point of the new era.”