- 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.
Derwin James Kah Wai Mak
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms
March 20, 1990
Vol. II, p. 10
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gules on a bend Sable fimbriated Or between in chief a bezant pierced square and in base a maple leaf Or a three clawed Chinese dragon passant Argent langued Gules;
Crest
An Eagle rising wings elevated and displayed Sable armed and membered Or grasping in the dexter talon a key ward upward and outward also Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The red, black, yellow and white combine the national colours for Canada, China and Germany. The colour reference to Germany is for Mr. Mak’s early years in Kitchener, Ontario, which was settled largely by German immigrants. The dragon symbolizes China and is based on a design taken from a silver chopstick holder. The maple leaf honours Mr. Mak’s Canadian heritage. The gold disc with the square hole resembles an ancient Chinese coin, and thus refers to Mr. Mak’s profession as a chartered accountant.
Crest
The black eagle is another reference to Germany and Kitchener, Ontario. The gold key was a medieval symbol for accountants. Keys also appear in the Arms of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, of which Mr. Mak is a member.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on May 12, 1990, in Volume 124, page 1689 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Derwin James Kah Wai Mak, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Kathryn Adams
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Individual