- The Governor General of Canada
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Association des Major-Bontron d'Amérique
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Flag
September 15, 2006
Vol. V, p. 62
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Blazon
Arms
Per fess, in chief Azure billetty a demi-lion crowned issuant from the fess line Or, in base Argent three maple leaves Gules;
Crest
A dexter arm embowed vested Azure the hand proper holding a tricorn hat of the Compagnie franche de la marine Azure embellished Or;
Motto
MAJOR SEMPER;
Symbolism
Arms
The upper portion, based on the arms of Franche-Comté, pays tribute to France, specifically the village of Montussaint, the place of origin of the family’s ancestor, Estienne. Montussaint is located in Franche-Comté, in the Doubs region. The lower portion represents Canada, the place of arrival of Estienne, ancestor of the Major-Bontron family in the Americas. This part of the shield honours the members of the Major-Bontron family who have made a significant contribution to the development and growth of this country since their arrival in Canada.
Crest
The crest consists of a forearm wearing the clothing typical of the Compagnie franche de la Marine and brandishing a tricorne of the same company. This symbolizes the fact that Estienne Bontron was a soldier when he began his service in Canada. Because of his military activities, he earned the nickname “the major,” and, over time, his descendents dropped the name Bontron, adopting instead the surname Major.
Motto
Meaning “Always greater” or “Major forever”, which carries a pun on the family name.