- The Governor General of Canada
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Louise Martel
Québec, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Geneviève Duret, Jean-Sébastien Duret and Pierre-Fréderic Duret
October 15, 2012
Vol. VI, p. 186
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Blazon
Arms
Sable a hammer environed by a laurel wreath Or;
Crest
A peacock guardant proper, its dexter claw resting on a pellet charged with a fleur-de-lis Or;
Motto
MARTEL EN TÊTE;
Motto
DROIT DEVANT SANS FAILLIR;
Symbolism
Arms
The hammer (marteau in French) alludes to Ms. Martel’s surname. Like the black and gold colours, it is a component of the arms of the Association des Martel d’Amérique, designed by Ms. Martel. The black also symbolizes for her the surname’s long history, while the gold represents divine light. The laurel wreath honours her ancestor Honoré Martel dit Lamontagne, who had the courage to settle and remain in Canada, and emphasizes Ms. Martel’s profound interest in the genealogy of the Martel families.
Crest
The peacock conveys Ms. Martel’s pride in her three children and grandchildren, while the fleur-de-lis represents the country of her ancestors and her affection for the French language.
Motto
MARTEL EN TÊTE, meaning “Martel in front”, is taken from an old French expression Se mettre martel en tête, meaning “To worry”, which is an allusion to her surname. This motto conveys Ms. Martel’s desire to be innovative in everything she does.
Motto
DROIT DEVANT SANS FAILLIR, meaning “Straight ahead without faltering,” alludes to Ms. Martel’s determination to overcome the difficulties she has gone through in her life and her unflinching confidence in the future. It is also an expression that she often uses at work.