- 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.
The University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario
Grant of Arms
January 15, 2014
Vol. VI, p. 324
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per saltire Purpure and Argent in chief an open book proper edged and clasped Or in fess two hurts that to the dexter charged with a demi-stag contourné Argent that to the sinister charged with a demi-lion double-queued Ermine ducally crowned and in base a maple leaf, on a chief Or a sun rising Gules;
Crest
In front of a branch of maple Gules an open book proper edged and clasped Or;
Supporters
Dexter a moose, sinister a lynx Or;
Motto
VERITAS ET UTILITAS;
Symbolism
Arms
Purple and white are the university’s colours. The open book is a symbol of education, and the maple leaf refers to Canada. The stag is one of the supporters of the coat of arms used by the city of London, Ontario, since 1840. The double-tailed crowned lion in ermine is taken from the arms used by the Rev. Canon Alfred Peache, an early benefactor of the university. The rising sun symbolizes the aspirations of young graduates.
Crest
The branch of maple and the open book are Canadian and educational references.
Supporters
The moose and lynx are Canadian animals, the moose being one of the supporters of the arms of Ontario.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Truth and usefulness”.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 25, 2014, in Volume 148, page 2733 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of the heralds of the College of Arms, London (1931), with revisions by the University of Western Ontario (2011), assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Gordon Macpherson
Calligrapher
Luc Saucier
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
University
The recipient's emblems were originally recorded in the Public Register of Arms, Flag and Badges of Canada, Vol. II, page 287.