- The Governor General of Canada
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Canadian Nurses Association
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
July 15, 2008
Vol. V, p. 317
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Blazon
Arms
Gules three piles meeting in nombril point, in base a lamp enflamed Or;
Crest
A demi-lion Or grasping a scroll Argent;
Supporters
Two harts Argent attired and unguled Sable each gorged with a collar wavy Azure charged with lozenges Argent pendent therefrom a torteau bordered ermine and charged with an ancient crown Or, both standing on a mount of maple leaves Or;
Motto
SCIENTIA • SAPIENTIA • HUMANITAS;
Symbolism
Arms
The three triangles symbolize the three founding communities of the First Nations/Inuit, Francophones and Anglophones, a diversity found within the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). Since the mid-nineteenth century and the famous nursing service of Florence Nightingale in the Crimea, the lamp has been the most widely recognized symbol of nursing. Gold represents the generosity and duration of nursing; red represents the fortitude, strength, magnanimity and life of nursing.
Crest
The lion emphasizes the role of the CNA as the defender of the interests of the profession and of the principles of the Canada Health Act. The scroll represents the Act itself and, more broadly, the advocacy role played by the Association on the national and international stages.
Supporters
The white harts are a pun, referring to the white heart symbol adopted by the International Council of Nurses as an emblem of nursing. The creature is one of grace and swiftness, characteristics of the work of nurses in their role. The harts are positioned on either side of the shield to reflect the support of nurses for the Canadian Nurses Association. The black antlers are a reference to the bands on nurses’ caps. On the collars the diamonds symbolize the five domains of nursing practice, research, administration, education and policy, with the wavy band being a subtle reference to the sashes worn by First Nations people. The medallion is a special creation, new to Canadian heraldry, to refer to incorporated bodies whose Patron is Her Majesty The Queen. The compartment of maple leaves symbolizes the communities served by nurses across Canada. The maple leaves represent new life, new beginnings and new knowledge for both patients and nurses. Thirteen leaves are shown to represent the provinces and territories or jurisdictions of the CNA.
Motto
This Latin motto means “Knowledge, wisdom, humanity” and reflects the ongoing values and virtues of the CNA and its members.