- The Governor General of Canada
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Michel Maria Joseph Shore
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, with differences to Betty Shore, Sigmond Shore and Loren Maxwell Shore
December 15, 2011
Vol. VI, p. 82
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Barry Azure and Or per pale counterchanged, a chief double-enarched Argent;
Crest
Between dexter a chestnut tree and sinister a poplar tree a bridge Or charged with a mullet between an decrescent and an increscent Azure;
Motto
VISION • COMPASSION • DIGNITY;
Differenced Arms for Betty Shore, daughter of Michel Maria Joseph Shore
The Arms of Michel Maria Joseph Shore debruised of a heart Azure; this individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his death;
Differenced Arms for Sigmond Shore, son of Michel Maria Joseph Shore
The Arms of Michel Maria Joseph Shore debruised of a flame Azure;
Differenced Arms for Loren David Maxwell Shore, son of Michel Maria Joseph Shore
The Arms of Michel Maria Joseph Shore debruised of a menorah Azure;
Symbolism
Arms
The division of the shield evokes the tablets of the Ten Commandments, thus referring to the Shores’ devout Jewish faith and its foundation as an anchor of integrity as espoused by Mr. Shore’s father, Sigmond. As the Ten Commandments are also a foundational text of the western legal tradition, the design also honours the memory of Mr. Shore’s maternal grandfather, Dr. Jakub Herzig, a lawyer, and Mr. Shore’s own work as a justice of the Federal Court of Canada. More generally, the division of the shield resembles an open book, thus representing Mr. Shore as a writer of fiction, essays and poetry. The arched division at the top of shield evokes a shoreline, a visual pun on the surname “Shore”, as well as a symbol of the family’s migration from Europe to Canada after the Second World War. It also recalls the arched windows of the family’s synagogue, Congregation Shaar Hashomayim in Westmount, Quebec.
Crest
The crest honours Mr. Shore’s mother, Dr. Thérèse Lena Shore, who sought inspiration and courage from a grove of poplars during the Second World War. After surviving the Shoah, she devoted her life to building bridges between people and communities. Chestnut trees grow in great numbers in Westmount, where Mr. Shore grew up, and particularly around the Congregation Shaar Hashomayim synagogue. Stars and crescents are significant symbols for the Shore family, representing dreams and aspirations.
Motto
Not applicable
Differenced Arms for Betty Shore, daughter of Michel Maria Joseph Shore
The heart symbolizes her work as a social worker. It also denotes an eldest daughter.
Differenced Arms for Sigmond Shore, son of Michel Maria Joseph Shore
The flame suggests knowledge and passion, evoking his contributions as a philosopher and academic.
Differenced Arms for Loren David Maxwell Shore, son of Michel Maria Joseph Shore
The Menorah represents his Jewish identity and dedication to Israel.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 24, 2012, in Volume 146, page 748 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Forrest Pass, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Individual