- 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.
The Canadian Bar Association
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
August 13, 1993
Vol. II, p. 252
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent a double ansul Azure within an orle of twelve maple leaves Gules;
Crest
A demi lion Azure gorged with a wing collar holding in the dexter forepaw a bell the sinister forepaw resting on a bowl placed on its edge all Argent;
Supporters
On a mahogany panel proper set with a bar Or two griffins Gules over Ermine winged Argent;
Motto
HONESTAS COLLEGII FUNDAMENTUM IUSTITIAE;
Flag
A banner of the Arms with a bordure compony Argent and Gules on the three outer edges;
Badge
A lawyer's robe affronté Sable charged with a double ansul Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The central device is a new invention in heraldry, the double ansul or double scales of justice to represent the two great legal traditions in Canada: the common law and the civil code. It is surrounded by maple leaves, one for each of the provincial and territorial components of the Association. The colours are red and white, the national colours of Canada, and the blue of the Association.
Crest
The crest combines a lion wearing a wing collar, a distinctive mark of the profession representing the majesty and strength of the law, with the silver bell and silver rosewater bowl, two historic emblems of the Association’s activities as a body corporate.
Supporters
The traditional bar mounted on mahogany represents the main forum, the court, in which the practice of law unfolds, and is the support for the griffins, ancient symbols of justice and equity. The griffin repeats Canada’s national colours, which are also those of the ceremonial robes of the Justices of the Supreme Court. The historic links between the Court and the Association are celebrated with the addition of ermine.
Motto
This Latin phrase means "The integrity of the profession is the foundation of justice".
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
This combines the lawyer’s gown, representing the members of the profession “in action”, with the double ansul as the symbol of the Association membership.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 6, 1993, in Volume 127, page 3407 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
David Farrar
Calligrapher
John Whitehead
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Learned Society & Professional Organization