- The Governor General of Canada
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Joseph Henry Serge Malaison
Montréal, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Flags and Badge
January 20, 2012
Vol. VI, p. 93
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gyronny Or and Azure a griffin segreant Ermine holding in its dexter claw a cross-crosslet fitchy Sable;
Crest
Issuant from a coronet of maple leaves and Maltese crosses Or, a demi-snow leopard proper langued Azure holding in its dexter paw a sword proper hilted Azure;
Motto
HONESTAS • FORTITUDO • FIDES;
Flag
A standard, the Arms in hoist, the fly charged with the Crest between two representations of the Badge separated by two bends sinister Azure inscribed with the Motto in letters Argent;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A sword proper hilted Azure surmounted by two snow leopards’ heads erased, addorsed and conjoined proper langued Azure;
Symbolism
Arms
The gyronny pattern represents Mr. Malaison’s career as a corporate president, director and manager. It reflects his ability to organize, to bring people together and to act as an agent for change and renewal within any organization that employs him. The gyronny motif also recalls traditional depictions of King Arthur’s Round Table, and thus suggests the chivalric ideal of equality that the Round Table represents. The griffin is a mythological creature with the head of an eagle (the king of birds) with the body of a lion (the king of beasts). Symbolizing power, it represents Mr. Malaison’s courage, daring, intelligence and leadership. The griffin also appears on the arms of the O’Casey clan, thus representing his mother’s Irish ancestry. The griffin is in ermine to recall the vestments of the ancient nobility of France and, by extension, the homeland of Mr. Malaison’s paternal ancestors. The cross held by the griffin represents Mr. Malaison’s Christian faith.
Crest
The snow leopard represents Mr. Malaison’s strength of character. The sword suggests those used by the crusaders and, together with the Maltese cross on the crown, symbolizes his involvement in the Order of St. John. The maple leaves convey his connection to Canada.
Motto
This motto, meaning, “Honour, courage, loyalty,” represents for Mr. Malaison not only his many years with the Canadian Forces, but also his attachment to his country, the courage needed to act and to express an opinion, and the loyalty he shows to the people and businesses with which he works.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
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 23, 2013, in Volume 147, page 536 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
Debra MacGarvie
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Individual