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.

Paul Comtois

Québec, Quebec
Registration of Arms
April 15, 2016
Vol. VI, p. 602

Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.


Blazon

Arms

Or on a grassy mount issuant in base an elm tree proper, on a chapé Vert two garbs Or each bound with a wreath of maple leaves proper;

Crest

A lion’s gamb eradicated Or billety Azure holding a miner’s pick proper;

Motto

SOIS FRANC ET HONNÊTE;


Symbolism

Arms

The elm tree refers to the Ferme des ormes (“Farm of the Elms”) which His Honour inherited and managed for a long time. The garbs allude to his training as an agronomist and his work as a farmer.

Crest

The miner’s pick recalls that His Honour was Minister of Mines and Technical Surveys of Canada (1957-1961) before becoming lieutenant-governor of Quebec (1961-1966).

Motto

This phrase means “Be upfront and honest”.


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 22, 2016, in Volume 150, page 3150 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of the heralds of the College of Arms, London (1963).

Painter
Artist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres

Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet


Recipient Information

Individual
Lieutenant-Governor

The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 20 February 1963.