- 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.
Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (also known as IODE Canada)
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Supporters
September 15, 2014
Vol. VI, p. 444
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per pale Gules and Azure, a mullet of seven points Argent pommé and edged Or charged with a maple leaf Gules and interlaced by a belt Argent engrailed to the exterior invected to the interior edged and buckled Or;
Crest
A Doric capital silver supporting a basin issuant therefrom red roses leaved all proper;
Supporters
Two lionesses guardant Or each gorged of a ribbon per fess Gules and Azure and standing on stone steps proper;
Motto
PRO REGINA ET PATRIA;
Symbolism
Arms
Red, blue and white are the organization’s colours, derived from the Royal Union Flag. The belt and the seven-pointed star are found in the IODE’s historic emblem, there having been seven provinces in Confederation when the organization was created. The maple leaf indicates that this is a national body.
Crest
The Doric capital refers to the classical foundations of modern education, and thus to the fact that educational scholarships remain a key part of the IODE’s mandate. Roses have been used as a symbol of the organization in the past. The bowl holding the roses represents the fact that the IODE gathers its members together.
Supporters
The lionesses are based on the lion supporters of the Royal Arms of Canada and of the United Kingdom, and refer to the IODE’s heritage as a patriotic body. They are made unique to the IODE through the use of the female lions and the red and blue ribbons. The steps represent three aspects of the organization’s mission: education, community service and citizenship.
Motto
This Latin phrase, meaning “For Queen and country”, was the motto adopted by the IODE’s predecessor organization, the Federation of the Daughters of the Empire, in 1900.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 14, 2015, in Volume 149, page 502 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Foundation / charitable body