- 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.
Allan Burnell Bird
Manotick, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
March 20, 2009
Vol. V, p. 431
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gules a sea-griffin Or holding between its claws a star Argent, all within a tressure palisado Or;
Crest
A vol Sable, overall a star Argent;
Motto
FIDELITAS INDUBITABILIS • FORTITUDO SINGULARIS;
Flag
A guidon, the Arms in hoist, the fly Argent charged with the Badge;
Badge
A vol Sable, overall a griffin's head Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The sea-griffin combines several references to Mr. Bird’s work and interests. In its role as a guardian, a griffin (or, more specifically, a hippogriff) has an association with security and intelligence work, and therefore represents Mr. Bird’s career in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). The wings of the griffin refer to his love of flying, and the fishtail to his interest in scuba diving. The palisado tressure, inspired by the CSIS badge, gives the idea of a fence and therefore of protection. The eight-pointed star is another symbol associated with intelligence services.
Crest
The wings make reference to the name Bird, and the star is a symbol used by intelligence agencies.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Unquestionable loyalty, uncommon valour”.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on December 12, 2009, in Volume 143, page 3681 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saint-Laurent Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
D. Robert Tunstall
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Individual