- The Governor General of Canada
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John MacEwen Mathieson Greenshields
Stirling, Ontario
Grant of Arms
August 1, 1996
Vol. III, p. 139
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Blazon
Arms
Argent on a chevron between three escutcheons Vert three trillium flowers Argent seeded Or;
Crest
Issuant from a coronet of thistle heads and thistle leaves alternately Vert a demi lion rampant grasping in its dexter paw a sword Or gorged with a chain pendant therefrom a carpenter's square Vert;
Motto
TEMPUS LOQUENDI, TEMPUS TACENDI;
Symbolism
Arms
The three small shields are a visual pun on the name Greenshields. The chevron symbolizes the green hills of Lanarkshire and the Murray Hills near Stirling, from where the Greenshields family originates. The trilliums honour Mr. Greenshields’ native province of Ontario and the location of his voluntary community services.
Crest
The thistle coronet celebrates the Scottish roots of Mr. Greenshields. The lion refers to strength of purpose and is often associated with military units, as is the sword. The carpenter’s set square alludes to his interest and involvement in Freemasonry.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “A time to speak, a time to be silent,” and is based on Ecclesiastes 3:7.