The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
Heraldry Today

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.

Daniel Richard Stepaniuk

Dundas, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
September 15, 2006
Vol. V, p. 72

Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.


Blazon

Arms

Per pale Gules and Or a double-headed eagle displayed grasping in the dexter claw a sword and in the sinister claw a sprig of maple leaves all counterchanged charged on the breast with an open book Argent bound per pale Gules and Or;

Crest

Issuant from a mural coronet Or, a kestrel wings elevated and addorsed proper holding in the dexter claw a trident Sable;

Motto

IN DOCTRINA POTESTAS VERA;

Flag

A banner of the Arms;

Badge

A trident Sable and a sword Argent in saltire on a wreath of dexter maple leaves and sinister oak leaves proper;


Symbolism

Arms

The red alludes to Mr. Stepaniuk’s service as a paratrooper in the Canadian Forces, the berets of paratroopers being maroon. The double-headed eagle is a symbol first used in the Roman Empire and which is now common in eastern Europe. It refers both to Mr. Stepaniuk’s Ukrainian ancestry and to his education in classics. The book refers to his vocation as an educator. The branch of maple indicates his Canadian identity, and the sword refers to his career as an infantry officer in the Canadian Forces.

Crest

The kestrel, the smallest of the falcon family, refers to Mr. Stepaniuk’s love of nature and the outdoors, and is a reminder that mankind has a responsibility to nature and the environment. Mr. Stepaniuk also once raised a kestrel after having rescued it. The trident is a symbol of the Ukraine and thus an indication of his ancestry. The mural crown alludes to his service as a senior officer in the Canadian Forces, including on operations overseas.

Motto

Meaning “True power lies in knowledge”.

Flag

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Badge

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 March 17, 2007, in Volume 141, page 586 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Daniel Stepaniuk, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
Debra MacGarvie

Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione


Recipient Information

Individual