- The Governor General of Canada
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Alan Roy Hudson
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Jean Elizabeth Hudson, Katherine Edith Lisus, Erin Margaret Morin and Roy John Hudson
September 15, 2005
Vol. IV, p. 523
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Blazon
Arms
Gules an opinicus rampant holding a closed book Or charged with a fleam Gules, on a chief Or an anchor between two red Disas (Disa uniflora) Gules;
Crest
Perching on a tower Gules a martlet Or holding in its beak a maple leaf Gules;
Motto
DUCO CUM INTEGRITATE;
Symbolism
Arms
The opinicus has been used as a heraldic symbol of surgery since the 16th century, and is therefore an indication of Dr. Hudson’s profession as a surgeon. The fleam knife is another symbol of surgery, and its placement on the book refers to the teaching and research component of Dr. Hudson’s work, as a Professor at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine and as an author of numerous papers on neurosurgical research. The anchor, an ancient symbol of hope, is found in the arms of his birthplace of Cape Town and in those of his – and his wife’s – alma mater, the University of Cape Town. It also indicates Dr. Hudson’s love of sailing. The red disa flowers are the floral emblem of the former Cape Province and the current South African province of the Western Cape. They are found on Table Mountain, and thus remind Dr. Hudson of his experiences in mountain climbing.
Crest
The tower and martlet crest has been used in the past by other Hudsons, and is made unique to Dr. Hudson through the colours and the addition of the maple leaf as an indication of his adopted country. The battlements of a tower are also found in the crest of Cape Town, a further reference to his birthplace.
Motto
DUCO CUM INTEGRITATE, meaning “I lead with integrity”, is taken from the criteria of the Order of Canada.