- 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.
Frederick Richard Bruce
Brandon, Manitoba
Grant of Supporters and a Badge
June 10, 2014
Vol. VI, p. 364
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent a thistle slipped and leaved proper, on a chief rayonné Gules a Maltese cross between two escutcheons Argent;
Crest
Issuant from a coronet erablé Gules a great gray owl wings elevated and addorsed Argent;
Supporters
Dexter an elephant sinister a polar bear standing on a grassy mound proper;
Motto
JUSTUM FAC;
Badge
A fleur-de-lis Or charged with a thistle proper all within a belt Gules buckeled and embellished Or inscribed JUSTUM FAC, in letters Argent;
Symbolism
Arms
The red upper section is taken from the Arms of the Chief of the Bruce clan in Scotland, except that the lower edge represents the flame of inspiration important to a life-long learner and teacher. The small escutcheons are shown in the shape of a police badge as used in Canadian heraldry. Together, these represent Mr. Bruce’s long service as a police officer, which culminated as a chief of police. The thistle is a symbol of his Scottish heritage. The Maltese cross alludes to his long service to St. John Ambulance and in The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. As a Bailiff Grand Cross of The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, Mr. Bruce is entitled to Supporters and to display a chief of the Order in his Arms.
Crest
The owl, the official bird of Manitoba, symbolizes Mr. Bruce’s birthplace. The maple leaf coronet represents his Canadian heritage.
Supporters
For Mr. Bruce, the polar bear symbolizes wisdom and transformation, and the elephant the ideas of defence of the family, social connection and intelligence.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Do the right thing” and represents good advice by a police officer.
Badge
Mr. Bruce has Scottish heritage, and his wife Doreen Lacquement has French heritage, each represented by one of the emblems within the belt and buckle.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 14, 2015, in Volume 149, page 501 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Eva Pilar-Cass
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Individual
View all Letters Patent for Frederick Richard Bruce
The recipient's emblems were originally recorded in the Public Register of Arms, Flag and Badges of Canada, Vol. V, page 382.