- The Governor General of Canada
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Municipalité de Sainte-Angèle-de-Mérici
Sainte-Angèle-de-Mérici, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Supporters and Flag
September 20, 2013
Vol. VI, p. 268
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Or three chevronels overlapping in bend sinister Vert, overall a bend wavy Azure;
Crest
Issuant from a circlet of musk mallow flowers an elm tree proper;
Supporters
Two bear cubs proper each vested of a cape, holding a flag Azure and standing on a compartment of elm leaves set with musk mallow flowers proper issuant from a bar wavy Azure;
Motto
RESPECT ET ÉQUITÉ;
Flag
Or on a Canadian pale Azure an escutcheon of the Arms;
Symbolism
Arms
The three peaks represent both the mountains surrounding the municipality of Sainte-Angèle-de-Mérici. The number of peaks refers to the fact that the municipality is formed by two townships (Cabot and Fleuriault) and the seigneury of Lepage and Thivierge. The wavy blue stripe represents the Mitis River, a body of water cherished by the citizens of Sainte-Angèle-de-Mérici. Gold symbolizes the agriculture industry of the municipality.
Crest
A majestic tree found within the municipality of Sainte-Angèle-de-Mérici, the elm represents the municipality’s forestry industry. As a symbol of education, because it grows and is renewed each year, the elm also represents the Ursulines, a religious order founded by St. Angela Merici that is primarily dedicated to educating girls. The municipality was named in honour of the saint. The musk mallow is the municipality’s floral emblem.
Supporters
The bear cubs represent St. Ursula, whose name means “small female bear” in Latin. They pay tribute to the Ursulines, founded by St. Angela Merici. The bear also symbolizes bravery, thus signifying St. Angela Merici’s martyrdom. The cloak is one of her traditional attributes. The flags (drapeau in French) honour Angèle Drapeau (1799-1876), the youngest daughter of Seigneur Joseph Drapeau and benefactor of the municipality. The elm leaves and musk mallows repeat the symbolism from the crest, while the wavy blue stripe is taken from the arms.
Motto
This phrase means “Respect and equity”.
Flag
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 22, 2014, in Volume 148, page 655 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
Melissa Aberin
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Government