- 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.
City of Québec
Québec, Quebec
Grant of Arms and Flag
September 20, 1988
Vol. I, p. 3
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure, on a base barry wavy Argent and Azure an ancient ship under full sail Or, on a chief Gules fimbriated Or two keys in saltire Or surmounted by a maple leaf Vert;
Motto
DON DE DIEU FERAY VALOIR;
Flag
Azure an ancient ship under full sail Or within an embattled bordure Argent;
Symbolism
Arms
The ship represents the period of the founding of Quebec City in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, sailing from Honfleur in France. It also symbolizes Quebec as an important maritime port. The keys symbolize Quebec as capital of New France, of Lower Canada, and of the province of Quebec since Confederation. The maple leaf symbolizes Canada. The wavy bars represent the St. Lawrence River.
The mural crown indicates that Quebec is a fortified town.
Motto
Meaning "I will make good of God's gift";
Flag
The ship represents Samuel de Champlain’s ship at the founding of Quebec City in 1608. The embattled edge recalls that Quebec is a fortified town.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 26, 1988, in Volume 122, page 4626 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Maurice Brodeur and the City of Québec Coat of Arms committee, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Gordon Macpherson
Calligrapher
Judith Bainbridge
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Government