- The Governor General of Canada
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Nicholas Jane Pepino
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Andrew Walker Rodger Pearson
July 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 298
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Blazon
Arms
Per fess wavy Or and Gules in chief an ankh pendent from its crossbeam two balance pans, in base three martlets, the wings and tail of each forming a maple leaf, all counterchanged;
Crest
Issuant from a circlet of maple leaves Gules and trillium flowers Argent, an apple tree Or fructed Gules;
Motto
THROUGH LABOUR ROOTS AND WINGS;
Symbolism
Arms
The colours include Ms. Pepino’s favourite, red, and a matching heraldic colour, gold. The wavy centre line refers to the rolling hills and her farming heritage. The upper elements include the ankh, a symbol of life and a reference to Women’s College Hospital and wider women’s issues. The balance speaks of two aspects of the law important to Ms. Pepino, the law as a construct for civil order and the law as a force for social change on issues such as equality, safety of women and bettering the position of women. In the lower part of the shield the three golden swallows represent Ms. Pepino’s three children. More subtly, the swallow has also been chosen because, since classical times, it has been seen as a caring bird, building its nests so that no chicks fall out, a bird that feeds each of its young equally. Thus, overall, it is a symbol of caring, concern and equality. The consummate craftsmanship in the construction of its nest might also be taken to refer to Ms. Pepino’s work on land use initiatives.
Crest
The maple leaves represent Ms. Pepino’s service to Canada and the trilliums her service to and roots in Ontario. The apple tree symbolizes her heritage orchard as well as her work in the preservation of the environment and Ms. Pepino’s love of nature: being outdoors and gardening.
Motto
This is an expression of personal philosophy which is linked to the swallows and the tree in the armorial bearings.