- The Governor General of Canada
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Myra Ava Freeman
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms and Supporters
May 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 285
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Blazon
Arms
Azure an ancient Hebrew tent between three menorahs Or;
Crest
A demi lion Azure semé of ermine spots, wearing a coronet erablé, holding in its dexter paw a laurel wreath and in its sinister paw a balance, all Or;
Supporters
Two lions Or each gorged with a collar of mayflowers (Epigaea repens) proper and maple leaves Vert pendent therefrom a hurt, that on the dexter charged with an open book, that on the sinister charged with a sun in splendour Or, standing on a grassy mound set to the dexter with palm trees and to the sinister with pine trees proper, the whole above a base wavy Argent charged with a bar wavy Azure;
Motto
IF YOU WILL IT • IT IS NO DREAM;
Symbolism
Arms
The main themes of the design are home and children. The tent, or pavilion, refers to the role of the Jewish woman to maintain a Jewish home for her family. Each of Her Honour's children is represented by a menorah, which is also a strong symbol of Her Honour's faith and heritage.
Crest
The lion is a reference to the Lion of Judah and Her Honour's own spirit and determination in the service of family and community. The special colouring of the lion symbolizes the equal life partnership with His Honour Larry Freeman. Her Honour's numerous and varied outreach and recognition initiatives to youth and others are represented by the laurel wreath. Her Honour's profession and belief in justice and equity to all groups in the community are underlined by the balance.
Supporters
The lions are an ancient and historic symbol of Judaism, the Lion of Judah. Here they are made distinctive to Her Honour through the collars and pendants, the mayflowers representing Nova Scotia and the maple leaves Canada as well as the concept of rebirth and new beginnings. The pendants represent, firstly, Her Honour's profession as a teacher, her ongoing interest in education and her involvement in her children's education; and, secondly, her love of the sun and the optimism of her outlook. In the compartment, the grass and pine trees and water symbolize the natural heritage of Nova Scotia, as well as Her Honour's own love of the ocean. The stylized water also represents Her Honour's appointment as an Honorary Captain Maritime Forces Atlantic. The palms represent Deborah, the biblical woman who was a judge, military leader and legislator, the latter role reflected in Her Honour's constitutional responsibilities.
Motto
A modification of the statement of Theodore Herzl, the founder of Zionism, and it is an important expression of Her Honour's personal philosophy.