- The Governor General of Canada
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National Club
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters and Flag
December 17, 1996
Vol. III, p. 163
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Blazon
Arms
Gules within an orle the exterior edge embattled a trillium Argent seeded Or within a cross of four maple leaves stems inward Argent;
Crest
A demi lion rampant Azure langued and armed Argent its dexter forepaw raised up and bearing a staff with a maple leaf finial Gules flying therefrom to the sinister a square banner Argent charged with the historic monogram of the National Club of Toronto Azure;
Supporters
On a compartment of cobblestones proper two beavers Argent gorged with a collar rim set with maple leaves Gules alternating with trillium flowers Argent seeded Or;
Motto
IMPRIMIS CANADA;
Symbolism
Arms
The red and white are Canada’s national colours, recalling both the name of the Club and the focus of its mission. The embattled edge refers to the Club’s building. The trillium is a reference to the Club’s location in the province of Ontario and the maple leaves stand for Canada. By indicating the four directions of the compass, the arrangement of leaves represents an attitude of exploration and outreach in all directions.
Crest
The lion – here coloured blue – taken from the arms of Canada and holding a banner bearing the traditional cipher of the National Club, represents the membership’s readiness to safeguard both the heritage and the future of the Club.
Supporters
The beavers are a national emblem, a symbol of industriousness, and their collars repeat the floral emblems in the arms. The supporters stand on paving stones, indicating the Club’s urban location.
Motto
IMPRIMIS CANADA, meaning “Canada, first of all” – which is used by the Club in the form “Canada first” – marks the Club’s founding in 1874 as a meeting place by the “Canada First” movement, a Canadian political movement.