- 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.
Office of the Secretary to the Governor General
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters and Badge for use by Governor General's Award in Celebration of the Nation's Table
June 23, 2010
Vol. V, p. 524
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure four bezants two and two, overall a square lozenge lozengy Or and Azure;
Crest
A cornucopia proper;
Supporters
Two lions Or each charged on the shoulder with four bezants two and two, overall a square lozenge lozengy Or and Azure, the supporters standing on a compartment of wheat and stomping with their interior hindlegs on grapes within a vat proper;
Motto
EXCELLENTER MENSAM APPONERE;
Badge
Four bezants two and two, overall a square lozenge lozengy Or and Azure;
Symbolism
Arms
The colours of the shield, blue and yellow, are those of the Governor General and the Governor General’s flag. The central element, representing a table and four chairs viewed from above, refers to the name and the design of the prize. The table reminds us that eating and drinking are a fundamental need and a pleasure for all. It reminds us of the transformation and the sharing of regional products, and of the exchange of dishes and expertise. It is a place where cultures meet and where ideas, as well as flavours, are mingled. The chequerboard design conveys the ideas of variety and the complementary nature of the ingredients in the creation of dishes. It is made of five squares on each side to indicate the five senses present at the table: taste and smell, as well as sight, hearing and touch.
Crest
The cornucopia, overflowing with fruit, vegetables, grains and spices, represents the bounty of the earth. Latin for “horn of plenty,” the cornucopia is a symbol of abundance and, by association, a source of inspiration and creativity.
Supporters
The lions that support the shield allude to the emblem of the Governor General. On their shoulders are the central elements from the shield. The wheat on which they stand with one hind leg and the grapes they are stomping with the other represent two of the components that are particularly symbolic in the nourishment of human beings.
Motto
Meaning “To set the table with excellence”.
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 March 26, 2011, in Volume 145, page 1074 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Claire Boudreau, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Cathy Bursey-Sabourin
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Federal Agency