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.

Flag of Office for the Honorary Chief Commissioner

Flag of Office for the Minister of Transport

Flag of Office of the Deputy Minister of Transport

Flag of Office of the Deputy Commissioner

Flag of Office of the Director General of Fleet Systems

Flag of the Canadian Marine Rescue Auxiliary

Canadian Coast Guard

Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Flags of Office and Vessel Markings
June 15, 1992
Vol. II, p. 175

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

Blazon

Flag

For the Honorary Chief Commissioner: Argent a canton of the standard of the Governor General of Canada in the fly a maple leaf Gules between two dolphins naiant respectant Or fimbriated Azure;

Flag

For the Minister of Transport: Argent senestré Azure on the Argent a maple leaf Gules ensigned by a representation of the Royal Crown Azure;

Flag

Canadian Coast Guard Jack: Argent senestré Azure on the Argent a maple leaf Gules on the Azure two dolphins naiant Or the lower one contourné;

Flag

For the Deputy Minister of Transport: Argent senestré Azure on the Argent a maple leaf Gules;

Flag

For the Commissioner: Argent senestré Azure on the Argent two maple leaves in pale Gules;

Flag

For the Deputy Commissioner: Argent senestré Azure on the Argent three maple leaves one and two Gules;

Flag

For the Director General of Fleet Systems: A swallow tailed pennant Argent a maple leaf Gules impaling Azure;

Flag

For the Canadian Marine Rescue Auxiliary: A triangular pennant Argent adextré and charged with a maple leaf Gules impaling Azure a dolphin naiant contourné Or;

Symbolism

Flag

For the Honorary Chief Commissioner: This ensign incorporates the flag of the Governor General, which features the viceregal lion emblem, being the Royal crest of Canada. It recalls that the position of Honorary Chief Commissioner is occupied by the Governor General of Canada since 1976. The maple leaf and dolphins are taken from the Coast Guard Badge.

Flag

For the Minister of Transport: The Royal Crown signifies the Minister as a member of Her Majesty’s Privy Council for Canada.

Flag

Canadian Coast Guard Jack: The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Flag

For the Deputy Minister of Transport: The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Flag

For the Commissioner: The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Flag

For the Deputy Commissioner: The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Flag

For the Director General of Fleet Systems: The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Flag

For the Canadian Marine Rescue Auxiliary: The pennant evokes the Canadian flag and is a modification of the Canadian Coast Guard Jack, making the auxiliary ships distinct from the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. This emblem combines the red and white colours of Canada with the blue of waterways. The maple leaf evokes Canada and the dolphin represents the ships that ply the coasts of Canada. As well, dolphins are regarded as ancient talismans and helpers of all mariners.

Background

Letters patent granting Flags and Vessel Markings to the Canadian Coast Guard

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on July 25, 1992, in Volume 126, page 2304 of the Canada Gazette.

Artist Information

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

Painter
Joan Bouwmeester

Calligrapher
Joan Bouwmeester

Recipient Information

Civil Institution
Federal Agency

View all Letters Patent for