The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
Heraldry Today

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

View all Letters Patent for

The recipient's emblems were originally recorded in the Public Register of Arms, Flag and Badges of Canada, Vol. II, page 287.