- 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.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Montréal, Quebec
Grant of Arms and Supporters
December 7, 1994
Vol. II, p. 363
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gules a representation of a Montreal dwelling under construction (tempore 1680) between three garbs Or in centre chief on a square billet the mark of the Prime Ministership of Canada (Argent four maple leaves conjoined in cross at the stem Gules);
Crest
A demi griffin Gules gorged with a ceinture fléchée Proper holding in the dexter foreclaw an ansul Or;
Supporters
On a mound set with conifers Vert rising above barry wavy Argent and Azure dexter a coureur de bois (tempore 1680) holding in the dexter hand a canoe paddle the blade downwards all proper and sinister a Scots townswoman (tempore 1680) proper holding in the sinister hand a baton Azure;
Motto
FAIRE CONTREPOIDS · PROVIDE COUNTERWEIGHTS;
Symbolism
Arms
The late 17th–century Montreal townhouse honours Étienne Truteau, a master carpenter who was the original Trudeau ancestor in New France. It also alludes to the idea of building up society inherent in Mr. Trudeau’s own career. The garbs of wheat represent his family’s agricultural heritage from the 18th and 19th centuries. Their number refers to his three sons. The heraldic emblem of the Prime Minister of Canada appears in the upper centre.
Crest
The griffin is an ancient symbol of justice and equity, often associated with the law. Mr. Trudeau’s legal career and his involvement with civil and constitutional law are also represented by the scales of justice. The ceinture fléchée, or sash, honours his coureurs des bois ancestors.
Supporters
The coureur de bois symbolizes Mr. Trudeau’s French Canadian pioneer ancestors, and the Scots townswoman his maternal heritage. The blue baton she holds is found in coats of arms associated with Scottish Elliotts. The compartment of trees and water symbolize the great natural landscape of Canada.
Motto
This phrase expresses Mr. Trudeau’s philosophy of government. As it is shown in both official languages, it also acknowledges Mr. Trudeau’s commitment to official bilingualism.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on April 22, 1995, in Volume 129, page 1190 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
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Individual
Prime Minister