- The Governor General of Canada
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Joseph Louis Félix Bouchard
Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, Quebec
Grant of Arms
September 15, 2010
Vol. V, p. 556
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure three mullets of eight points in chevron above a blue flag flower, on a chief Or a bar gemel Azure;
Crest
Upon an open book lying flat Argent bound Azure a Canada goose rising affronty charged on each wing with a St. John’s wort flower proper;
Motto
S’ÉLEVER PAR L’ENGAGEMENT;
Symbolism
Arms
The blue and gold represent Mr. Bouchard’s career in Canada’s Air Force. The three gold stripes indicate his rank of major. The stars evoke Mr. Bouchard’s skills as a leader within the St. John Ambulance Brigade and as an air cadet instructor. Their number represents his three sons. The iris versicolor, the floral emblem of Quebec, represents his information technology career in Quebec’s ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, as well as his interest in nature.
Crest
The Canada goose with outspread wings symbolizes Mr. Bouchard’s career in Canada’s Air Force. It also evokes his role as a leader and mentor with young people. Geese fly in a V formation when they migrate, with the first goose guiding the ones following behind, like Mr. Bouchard’s role as a mentor to air cadets. The V formation also helps to reduce wind resistance; here it serves as a metaphor, recalling his devotion and commitment to the young people whom he mentors. The St. John’s wort recalls his involvement in St. John Ambulance and his grade of Knight in the Order of St. John. The book evokes his skills as a teacher.
Motto
Meaning “To rise through dedication”, the motto recalls Mr. Bouchard’s role as a teacher to air cadets and his involvement in his community.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 26, 2011, in Volume 145, page 1076 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Manon Labelle, Miramichi Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Robert Grey
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Individual