- The Governor General of Canada
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Frédéric Josef Gérard Stéphane Grenier
Rigaud, Quebec
Grant of Arms and Flag
November 15, 2019
Vol. VII, p. 212
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per pale Azure and Gules a white-tailed deer’s head erased Or, a chief erablé Argent;
Crest
A demi-white-tailed deer Or holding in its mouth an ear of wheat proper and between its forelegs a heart Gules, issuant from a coronet of maple leaves, Latin crosses and fleurs-de-lis Argent;
Motto
VA DE BON CŒUR ET SUR LE DROIT CHEMIN;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Symbolism
Arms
Blue and red are the main colours of the flags of Quebec and Canada respectively, thus alluding to Mr. Grenier’s cultural identity and to his patriotism. The maple leaf pattern alludes to the forests near his home in Montérégie, Quebec, where the white tailed deer is found throughout the region. Mr. Grenier has a particular affinity for the deer. He admires its majestic appearance, its slender antlers and its proud but gentle gaze. It also represents one of his core values: kindness of heart. Moreover, the deer is a Christian symbol of the battle against evil, since it can tramp the snake with its hooves, and Psalm 42 likens the deer’s longing for water streams to the soul’s spiritual quest. Thus, the deer conveys here Mr. Grenier’s Christian faith.
Crest
The white-tailed deer repeats the symbolism of the arms. The wheat head refers to Mr. Grenier’s surname, a patronym that once designated the owners of granaries (grenier in French). The red heart (cœur in French) pays tribute to Mr. Grenier’s mother, whose surname is Vadeboncoeur. It also symbolizes Mr. Grenier’s love for his family and the importance of family to him. The Latin cross underscores Mr. Grenier’s commitment to his Catholic faith. The fleurs-de-lis and maple leaves further convey the theme of patriotism in the arms.
Motto
Based on Mr. Grenier’s mother’s surname, Vadeboncoeur, this French phrase, meaning “Journey wholeheartedly and on the right path,” emphasizes the importance of always acting with conviction and confidence, as well as with honour and integrity.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 28, 2020, in Volume 154, page 693 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Fabienne Fusade, Acting Miramichi Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Debra MacGarvie
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual