- The Governor General of Canada
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Canadian Association of Sergeants-at-Arms
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
July 20, 2012
Vol. VI, p. 149
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent a maple leaf per pale Gules and Vert surmounted by a parliamentary mace Or;
Crest
An owl wings elevated and addorsed, charged on the wing with the Royal Crown proper;
Supporters
Dexter a black bear supporting on its shoulder the mace of the Senate of Canada, sinister a muskox supporting on its shoulder the mace of Nunavut, both standing on a mount of snow emerging therefrom tufts of grass proper;
Motto
SUSTINIMUS PACEM • ORDINEM • BONUM REGIMEN;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A maple leaf per pale Gules and Vert surmounted by a parliamentary mace Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The parliamentary mace indicates the role of Sergeant-at-Arms as officers of parliament. The maple leaf identifies the national mandate of the association, and the red and green colours are traditionally associated with upper and lower houses of parliament in the Westminster tradition.
Crest
The owl symbolizes wisdom and watchfulness. The Royal Crown indicates the close connection the members of the association have with the Crown in Canada.
Supporters
The bear, an animal famously protective of its young, is found across Canada. The muskox is an animal of the Canadian north, and is known for protecting its herd. They carry the oldest and newest parliamentary maces currently in use in Canada. The base represents Canadian terrain in summer and winter. The grass emerging from the snow symbolizes rebirth and the cycle of life: the clumps of grass indicate the legislative houses in Canada: one in each of the provinces and territories, plus the two federal houses.
Motto
Meaning “We uphold peace, order and good government”, this Latin motto emphasizes the role the members of the association have in upholding the principles of constitutional governance in Canada. It also alludes to a famous phrase used in Section 91 of the Constitution Act, 1867 (originally the British North America Act).
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 November 3, 2012, in Volume 146, page 3053 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, and Kevin MacLeod, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Eva Pilar-Cass
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Learned Society & Professional Organization