- The Governor General of Canada
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Joseph Jacques Alain Contant
Montréal, Quebec
Registration of Arms
September 15, 2014
Vol. VI, p. 347
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Blazon
Arms
Or on a chevron Azure three oak leaves Or;
Crest
Issuant from a coronet of fleurs-de-lis and maple leaves Or a Huron’s head with headdress proper;
Motto
S’IL EN RESTE;
Symbolism
Arms
The shield is based on a coat of arms shown on a bookplate used by Mr. Contant’s grandfather, Cyrille Contant, which itself was inspired by the mason’s mark of the latter’s father, François-Jacob Contant. It also pays homage to the seigneury of Lachenaie and its once abundant oak forests, where the first Canadian-born member of the lineage settled at the beginning of the 18th century.
Crest
The head honours the Huron Nation and in particular two of Mr. Contant’s 17th century ancestors, Roch Manitouabéouich and his daughter Marie Olivier dit Sylvestre, known as Outchibahabanoukoueo. The coronet of maple leaves and fleurs-de-lis indicates the family’s French-Canadian identity.
Motto
Meaning “If any remains”, this phrase is a reference to Mr. Contant’s father’s generous spirit and his insistence on providing for others and keeping only the bare minimum for himself.