- 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.
Joseph Léonce Bernard
Wellington, Prince Edward Island
Grant of Arms and Supporters
June 12, 2002
Vol. IV, p. 218
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Bendy Or and Gules a cross flory Azure;
Crest
A demi lion Gules its dexter paw resting on a garden trowel Or;
Supporters
On a grassy mound set with lady slipper flowers proper, two foxes (Vulpes fulva) Sable embellished Argent each gorged with a coronet erablé Or pendent therefrom a bezant, that to the dexter charged with masks of tragedy and comedy, that to the sinister charged with a treble clef Gules;
Motto
ENTRAIDE;
Symbolism
Arms
The bands of red and gold symbolize the interactions between people in communities and community development. The cross represents the spirit of His Honour's sister and the motivation she has been in his life. The four arms of the cross refer to his children and the fleurs-de-lis to his French ancestry.
Crest
The lion is taken from the coat of arms of the Province of Prince Edward Island and symbolizes His Honour's service as Lieutenant Governor. The garden trowel represents his love of gardening, and, by extension, the rich soil of the province.
Supporters
The green grass refers to the Island's pastureland and the portrayal of the Island in the provincial coat of arms. The lady slipper is His Honour's favourite flower and the official flower of the province. The silver foxes are not only His Honour's choice of animal, but as the provincial government has asked that they become part of the province's coat of arms, they recall the fact that he was Lieutenant Governor when this occurred. They are made distinctive to His Honour through the use of the gold coronets which represent service to Canada and the medallions which symbolize various aspects of the arts: theatre and music, one of His Honour's chosen themes.
Motto
Meaning "Cooperation among People" as proposed by His Honour.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on February 22, 2003, in Volume 137, page 519 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
D. Robert Tunstall
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Individual
Lieutenant-Governor