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.

James Aloysius McGrath

St. John's, Newfoundland
Grant of Arms and Supporters
December 29, 1990
Vol. II, p. 61

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


Blazon

Arms

Tierced in pale Rose Argent and Vert over all a representation of the mace of the House of Commons of Canada in bend Or between six crosses botonny two in pale per pale Rose and Vert two in fess Argent two in bend sinister counterchanged;

Crest

A demi-lion Or gorged with an antique crown pendant therefrom a chevron Gules bearing in its dexter paw a trefoil slipped Vert;

Supporters

On a rock proper rising from waves Azure crested Argent two caribou Argent langued Gules attired and unguled Or;

Motto

MELIUS EST NOMEN BONUM QUAM DIVITIAE MULTAE. This Latin phrase means "It is better to enjoy a good name than great wealth".


Symbolism

In general, the symbolism of emblems prior to 2000 does not exist in an appropriate format for the online Register.


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on August 10, 1991, in Volume 125, page 2568 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
Cathy Bursey-Sabourin

Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis


Recipient Information

Individual
Lieutenant-Governor