- 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.
Outaouais Herald Emeritus, Canadian Heraldic Authority
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of a Badge of Office
March 28, 2000
Vol. IV, p. 25
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Badge
On a pomme three inescutcheons Argent the bases pointing inwards;
Symbolism
Badge
Green is the dominant colour because it perfectly evokes the Outaouais region, known for its many green spaces and its tremendous natural beauty. The three identical shields recall the history and geography associated with the name Outaouais. From a historical standpoint, they hark back to a tradition of the Outaouais, shared by the Ojibway and the Potawatomi, whereby these three groups formed a single tribe at one point. From a geographic standpoint, they refer to the Outaouais, the Rideau and the Gatineau Rivers which were the first routes used by explorers to access the territory. Furthermore, the three shields represent the three main divisions of time: past, present and future. The fact that the shields are identical conveys the idea that these divisions of time have equal importance in the life of an individual.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on February 22, 2003, in Volume 136, page 517 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, Claire Boudreau, Saint-Laurent Herald, and Cathy Sabourin, Fraser Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Cathy Bursey-Sabourin
Calligrapher
Judith Bainbridge
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
National (Officer)