- 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.
Charles Joseph Clark
Calgary, Alberta
Grant of Arms and Supporters
December 5, 1994
Vol. II, p. 369
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per pale Azure and Or a flat bed printing press above a bar gemel wavy in base all counterchanged on a canton the mark of the Prime Ministership of Canada (Argent four maple leaves conjoined in cross at the stem Gules);
Crest
A demi lion Or gorged with a collar of wild roses Gules holding in the dexter forepaw a carpenter's square Azure and in the sinister forepaw a quill pen Or;
Supporters
On a grassy mound Vert two bald eagles Argent wings elevated and addorsed Azure each wing charged with a fess chequy Argent and Azure edged Or both eagles gorged with a collar Azure pendant therefrom the Badge of a member of the House of Commons of Canada proper;
Motto
THE RIGHT TO KNOW · THE WILL TO SERVE;
Symbolism
Arms
The printing press symbolizes the involvement of Mr. Clark and his family with newspapers and journalism. The wavy bars refer to High River, Alberta, his birthplace, and the division of the shield alludes to its location at the point where the foothills, represented by the blue, become the prairies, represented by the gold. The heraldic emblem of the Prime Minister of Canada appears in the upper left.
Crest
The lion, a creature of determination and strength of purpose, is one of the supporters of the arms of Canada. Here, it is used to represent Mr. Clark’s service to the Canadian people in parliament. The wild roses are the provincial flower of Alberta. The quill pen represents journalism and advocacy through writing. The carpenter’s square conveys the idea that Mr. Clark and his wife, Maureen McTeer, are builders through service. It also alludes to the McTeer family name, derived from the Gaelic word for “craftsman”.
Supporters
The two eagles recall Mr. Clark’s Cree name, Honorary Chief Bald Eagle. Their wings are coloured with a chequered band of blue and white, a pattern found in Clark coats of arms in Scotland. Their collars feature the pin worn by the members of the House of Commons, to underscore Mr. Clark’s service as a parliamentarian. The grassy mound symbolizes the lawns of Parliament Hill.
Motto
This phrase indicates the Clark family’s belief in enabling citizens to meet their responsibilities in an informed way, as well as the family’s commitment to serve Canadians.
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