- 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.
National Council of Women of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badge
March 15, 1993
Vol. II, p. 233
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent a maple leaf Gules charged with a ribbon knotted to form a bow Or all within an orle of twelve like bows Azure;
Crest
Rising above three bars wavy Argent Azure and Argent a grassy mound strewn with maple seeds Or and growing thereon a maple tree Or between two maple saplings Gules;
Motto
ALTIOR. This Latin word means "Higher".
Badge
On an oval Or two gavels in saltire heads upward facing outward Gules surmounted with a bow as in the arms Azure all within a border Gules charged with a border Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The maple leaf indicates the national scope of the organization. The bow is the membership pin of the National Council of Women (NCW), and their number represents the twelve provincial and territorial councils that existed at the time of the grant. The golden bow at the centre alludes to the Golden Rule (“Do unto others as ye would that they should do unto you”) inscribed on the membership pin.
Crest
The waves, grass and trees represent Canada and the stewardship of its riches. The central tree refers to the community of women across Canada, and the saplings represent new development of thought. The maple seeds symbolize birth and change.
Motto
This Latin word, meaning “Higher” (often interpreted as “Ever higher”), was used as a motto by Lady Aberdeen, the founding president of the NCW.
Badge
The gavels represent the councils and affiliates of the NCW.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on June 26, 1993, in Volume 127, page 2077 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
Joan Bouwmeester
Calligrapher
Joan Bouwmeester
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Community Service Organization