- 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.
Joseph Jacques Alain Contant
Montréal, Quebec
Registration of Arms
September 15, 2014
Vol. VI, p. 347
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Or on a chevron Azure three oak leaves Or;
Crest
Issuant from a coronet of fleurs-de-lis and maple leaves Or a Huron’s head with headdress proper;
Motto
S’IL EN RESTE;
Symbolism
Arms
The shield is based on a coat of arms shown on a bookplate used by Mr. Contant’s grandfather, Cyrille Contant, which itself was inspired by the mason’s mark of the latter’s father, François-Jacob Contant. It also pays homage to the seigneury of Lachenaie and its once abundant oak forests, where the first Canadian-born member of the lineage settled at the beginning of the 18th century.
Crest
The head honours the Huron Nation and in particular two of Mr. Contant’s 17th century ancestors, Roch Manitouabéouich and his daughter Marie Olivier dit Sylvestre, known as Outchibahabanoukoueo. The coronet of maple leaves and fleurs-de-lis indicates the family’s French-Canadian identity.
Motto
Meaning “If any remains”, this phrase is a reference to Mr. Contant’s father’s generous spirit and his insistence on providing for others and keeping only the bare minimum for himself.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 14, 2015, in Volume 149, page 500 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Concept original d’Alain Contant, assistés par les hérauts de l’Autorité héraldique du Canada.
Painter
Robert Létourneau
Calligrapher
Suzzann Wright
Recipient Information
Individual
The recipient's emblems were originally recorded in the name of Maurice Joseph Gérard Jacques Contant in the Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada, Volume III, page 50, 28 September 1995.