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.

Jason Charles Burgoin

Hamilton, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badge
December 15, 2016
Vol. VI, p. 654

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


Blazon

Arms

Quarterly Sable and Gules a cross Ermine between 1st and 4th three caltrops and 2nd and 3rd a martlet Or;

Crest

A demi-tyger Gules collared, chained and holding a torch enflamed Or;

Motto

I PASS THROUGH THIS WORLD BUT ONCE;

Badge

A tyger’s face Gules jessant of a Latin cross patonce Ermine;


Symbolism

Arms

The cross indicates Mr. Burgoin’s Christian faith, and the ermine pattern alludes to the ermine in the arms of Lincolnshire in England, from where his ancestors came. The caltrops are a mediaeval weapon and thus allude to Mr. Burgoin’s career in the Canadian Armed Forces and his interest in military history. The martlet, which appears in other Burgoyne arms, is a bird always in flight and thus represents for Mr. Burgoin a constant seeking after knowledge and adventure. Red is the colour of the Canadian Army, while black alludes to constancy and prudence.

Crest

The tiger is one of the supporters of the arms of Hamilton, Ontario, Mr. Burgoin’s hometown. The use of the heraldic form of the tiger (tyger) indicates Mr. Burgoin’s interest in heraldry. The torch symbolises enlightenment and refers to Mr. Burgoin’s involvement with freemasonry. The collar and the chain, inspired by livery collars and chains of office, represent his support and loyalty to the Crown and the Sovereign.

Motto

This is a version of a Quaker proverb first recorded c. 1859.

Badge

The tyger is taken from the crest, and the cross alludes to that in the arms. Together, these elements link his families’ past with the present.


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 25, 2017, in Volume 151, page 1304 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Jason Burgoin (Arms) and Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada (Crest and Badge), assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
Robert Grey

Calligrapher
Luc Saucier


Recipient Information

Individual