- 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.
Josée Bouchard
Notre-Dame-du-Portage, Quebec
Grant of Arms, with differences to Joël Desgreniers, Robin Desgreniers, Janot Desgreniers, Tobie Desgreniers and Elie Desgreniers
July 15, 2014
Vol. VI, p. 366
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure a pelican in its piety Or distilling drops of blood Gules, on a chief wavy Or a violin bridge Gules between two winged feet respectant Azure;
Crest
Issuant from a circlet of daffodils and blueberry plants proper a demi-horse Azure crined, unguled and winged Or holding between its hooves a rod of Aesculapius Gules;
Motto
RIEN N’EST IMPOSSIBLE;
Differenced Arms for Joël Desgreniers, son of Josée Bouchard
The Arms of Josée Bouchard debruised of a three-point label Argent during his mother’s lifetime; This individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following her death;
Differenced Arms for Robin Desgreniers, son of Josée Bouchard
The Arms of Josée Bouchard debruised of two lightning bolts in saltire Gules in place of the violin bridge;
Differenced Arms for Janot Desgreniers, son of Josée Bouchard
The Arms of Josée Bouchard debruised of a vol Gules in place of the violin bridge;
Differenced Arms for Tobie Desgreniers, son of Josée Bouchard
The Arms of Josée Bouchard debruised of a lion’s face Gules in place of the violin bridge;
Differenced Arms for Elie Desgreniers, son of Josée Bouchard
The Arms of Josée Bouchard debruised of a rose Gules in place of the violin bridge;
Symbolism
Arms
The pelican feeding its young represents Dr. Bouchard’s sense of duty and altruism, and also symbolizes her family. The wavy band represents the St. Lawrence River and Notre-Dame-du-Portage in the Lower St. Lawrence region, where she lives. The violin bridge represents her passion for that instrument, and the feet of Hermes represent the importance of physical activity in her life, including jogging, cycling, skiing and speed skating, which her sons have also practised and which she coached. The yellow and blue represent the sun, water and the outdoors.
Crest
The horse is, for Dr. Bouchard, a symbol of devotion, sustained effort and perseverance. Its wings evoke the air cadets and her role as the president of the 282 Rivière-du-Loup Squadron committee. The Rod of Aesculapius indicates her profession of physician and her first-hand involvement in physicians’ organizations. The daffodils (jonquilles in French) and blueberries, emblematic flowers and fruits of the Saguenay region, recall her birthplace of Jonquière.
Motto
This phrase means “Nothing is impossible”.
Differenced Arms for Joël Desgreniers, son of Josée Bouchard
The label indicates that he is the eldest child and heir to the full arms.
Differenced Arms for Robin Desgreniers, son of Josée Bouchard
The lightning flashes symbolize his passion for computer science and extreme sports.
Differenced Arms for Janot Desgreniers, son of Josée Bouchard
The wings indicate that he is an aviator.
Differenced Arms for Tobie Desgreniers, son of Josée Bouchard
The lion’s head symbolizes his determination and self-confidence.
Differenced Arms for Elie Desgreniers, son of Josée Bouchard
The rose symbolizes his sensitivity and generosity.
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 Manon Labelle, Miramichi Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Individual