- 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.
British Columbia Sheriff Service
Victoria, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
August 15, 2011
Vol. VI, p. 64
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure two scrolls in saltire Argent each enfiled by a sword proper, surmounted by an escutcheon of the arms of the province of British Columbia;
Crest
A lion rampant guardant wearing a Royal Crown Or, gorged with a wreath of Pacific dogwood flowers proper, and resting its sinister forepaw on a cross potent fitché Or;
Supporters
Two bighorn sheep Argent, each accorné and unguled Or, gorged of a ribbon Gules pendent therefrom an escutcheon Or, and standing on a grassy mount Vert;
Motto
HONOUR • INTEGRITY • COMMITMENT;
Flag
Azure the Badge;
Badge
A shield of the Arms within an annulus Argent edged and inscribed with the Motto in letters Azure, environed by a wreath of maple leaves and oak leaves Or issuant from a dogwood flower, and ensigned by the Royal Crown proper;
Symbolism
Arms
The scrolls represent the warrants transmitted by the sheriff on behalf of the courts in British Columbia, and the swords the power of enforcement. The provincial arms at the centre signify that this is a provincial service.
Crest
The lion is inspired by the crest of the province of British Columbia. The cross potent is taken from the legendary arms of the Anglo-Saxon King Edgar, during whose reign (959-975) it is believed the office of sheriff was established in England.
Supporters
A big-horn sheep is one of the supporters in the provincial arms. The red of the ribbon is a colour of the judiciary whom sheriffs assist as officers of the court. Their collars display a sheriff’s badge.
Motto
Not applicable
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The badge follows the traditional structure for law enforcement agencies. The dogwood flower and maple leaves represent service to British Columbia and Canada. The Royal Crown signifies that the Service upholds the peace under the jurisdiction of the Crown of Canada.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 24, 2012, in Volume 146, page 747 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
David Farrar
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Provincial & Territorial (Agency and other)