- 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.
William Bruce Gillis
Paradise, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms and Badge
December 22, 1993
Vol. II, p. 269
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent a lymphad Azure sails furled oars in action Argent a pennon from the mainmast Azure and two flags Argent a saltire Azure from staffs fore and aft all flying to the sinister on a chief Azure a mountain cat (Felis concolor) salient grasping between the forepaws a drum Argent;
Crest
An eagle displayed Bleu-Celeste grasping in the dexter claw an ansul Argent;
Motto
INTEGRITATE SERVIO;
Badge
A plate charged with an ansul surmounting shepherd's crooks in saltire Azure;
Symbolism
Arms
The ship and the mountain cat are charges frequently encountered in Gillis or Gillies arms, indicating the family’s association with the Clan Macpherson. The ship also symbolizes New Brunswick, Mr. Gillis’s birth province, whose arms feature a similar ship; its blue and white saltire flags recall the flag of Nova Scotia, Mr. Gillis’s home province. The drum honours his position as Drum Sergeant in the bands of the West Nova Scotia Regiment and of Canadian Forces Base Greenwood.
Crest
The eagle honours the service of Mr. Gillis’s father in the Royal Canadian Air Force. As the principal charge on the arms of Dalhousie University, it also commemorates Mr. Gillis’s education at and service to the university. The balance, or ansul, symbolizes his membership in the legal profession.
Motto
This Latin phrase means "I serve with integrity".
Badge
The shepherd’s crooks recall the etymology of Gillis, which in Gaelic means “Servant of Jesus”. They are positioned in saltire in reference to the saltire on the arms of Nova Scotia. The balance refers to the crest.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 19, 1994, in Volume 128, page 1685 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 Ouellette
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Individual