- 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.
Association des Major-Bontron d'Amérique
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Flag
September 15, 2006
Vol. V, p. 62
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per fess, in chief Azure billetty a demi-lion crowned issuant from the fess line Or, in base Argent three maple leaves Gules;
Crest
A dexter arm embowed vested Azure the hand proper holding a tricorn hat of the Compagnie franche de la marine Azure embellished Or;
Motto
MAJOR SEMPER;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Symbolism
Arms
The upper portion, based on the arms of Franche-Comté, pays tribute to France, specifically the village of Montussaint, the place of origin of the family’s ancestor, Estienne. Montussaint is located in Franche-Comté, in the Doubs region. The lower portion represents Canada, the place of arrival of Estienne, ancestor of the Major-Bontron family in the Americas. This part of the shield honours the members of the Major-Bontron family who have made a significant contribution to the development and growth of this country since their arrival in Canada.
Crest
The crest consists of a forearm wearing the clothing typical of the Compagnie franche de la Marine and brandishing a tricorne of the same company. This symbolizes the fact that Estienne Bontron was a soldier when he began his service in Canada. Because of his military activities, he earned the nickname “the major,” and, over time, his descendents dropped the name Bontron, adopting instead the surname Major.
Motto
Meaning “Always greater” or “Major forever”, which carries a pun on the family name.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 18, 2006, in Volume 140, page 3688 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of the Association des Major-Bontron d’Amérique and Claire Boudreau, Saint-Laurent Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Debra MacGarvie
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Family Association