The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
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Sûreté du Québec

Montréal, Quebec
Grant of Arms and Flag for use by the Groupe tactique d'intervention
February 15, 2012
Vol. VI, p. 106

Arms for use by the Groupe tactique d'intervention

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Blazon

Arms

Or an eagle stooping clutching a sword proper, in chief an asterisk Gules within crosshairs Sable;


Symbolism

Arms

The shield is based on the emblem used for many years by the Groupe tactique d’intervention. The eagle, with its outspread wings, is a symbol of courage and agility. It represents rapid reaction by air and land. The sword is a symbol of conquest that ensures peace and justice. The crosshair refers to the precision required for the successful use of firepower in tactical interventions. The asterisk commemorates Marcel Lemay and the sacrifices made by members of the group since its foundation in 1981. The asterisk plus the branches of the crosshairs allude to the universal symbol for intervention groups, 1*, a homophone for “One has to risk”.