The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
Heraldry Today

The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.

Canadian Heraldic Authority

Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms
September 15, 1988
Vol. I, p. 7

Arms of the Canadian Heraldic Authority

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Blazon

Arms

Argent on a maple leaf Gules an inescutcheon Argent;

Crest

A lion passant guardant Or Royally Crowned Proper its dexter forepaw resting on an escutcheon Argent charged with a maple leaf Gules;


Symbolism

Arms

The nature and work of the Authority itself are represented in the shield of arms, on which Canada’s red maple leaf bears a plain white shield as a sign of heraldry to be created and recorded for Canadians.

Crest

The crest is a variation of the Royal Crest of Canada, emblematic of the viceregal office. In this case, the crowned Royal lion carries a white shield bearing a red maple leaf, symbolizing the exercise of the Sovereign’s heraldic prerogative by the Governor General.