- The Governor General of Canada
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.
Claire Boudreau
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Supporters and a Flag
November 15, 2011
Vol. VI, p. 73
[ previous page ]
Blazon
Arms
Azure an orle Argent;
Crest
A panther rampant Azure incensed proper;
Supporters
Two panthers incensed holding a girdle book and standing on a rocky mount proper;
Motto
ARDENTE;
Symbolism
Arms
The blue colour represents the French origins of Claire Boudreau. The narrow line (orle) appears as a second shield within the main shield and highlights both the importance of heraldry in her life and her doctoral research in this field. The orle and the overall simplicity of the design express both the absolute notion of the Cartesian “whole”, contained but continuous, and the idea that infinity can be contained within the span of one’s life or within any other given framework.
Crest
The panther in the crest is a monster spewing fire from its mouth, nostrils and ears. It is the most appropriate symbol to express human passion in any domain. The heraldic panther is endowed with the body of a lion, a horse’s head with horns, a griffin’s forelegs and a lion’s hind legs. This diversified nature makes it a symbol of tolerance and of the spirit of adventure by which alone the frontiers of the unknown can be pushed back.
Supporters
Repeating the symbolism of the crest, the multicoloured panthers are based on examples found in mediaeval miniatures. They hold mediaeval “girdle books”, which were portable books held to the owner’s belt by a knot in their binding. These indicate that the best inventions are often simple and eminently practical concepts.
Motto
ARDENTE, meaning “fervent”, along with the panther in the crest is a reference to the totemic name “Panthère ardente” (“Fiery panther”) given to Claire Boudreau within the Scout movement in 1978. The motto therefore contains a second allusion to passion, a sort of internal flame that drives one to outstanding achievements.