- 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.
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Montréal, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
May 15, 2020
Vol. VII, p. 253
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per fess Sable and Or, in chief a bar fracted of five pieces Or and in base two bendlets sinister Sable, all within a bordure Or;
Crest
A locomotive wheel Or issuant from a coronet erablé Gules;
Supporters
Two lynx Or each standing on a sandy base set with a bed of crushed stone proper;
Motto
VIA PER FINES NOSTROS;
Badge
An escutcheon of the Arms within an annulus Sable fimbriated and inscribed VIA RAIL CANADA in letters Or, ensigned by the Royal Crown proper and environed by a wreath of maple leaves Or, overall in base a scroll Sable inscribed POLICE in letters Or;
Flag
Sable charged with the Badge;
Symbolism
Arms
Black and yellow are the corporate colours of VIA Rail. The upper squares evoke the windows of a passenger rail car. The lower section shows train tracks in addition to referring to the VIA Rail wordmark.
Crest
The train wheel, an essential aspect of rail travel, alludes to VIA Rail’s past and present trains. The red maple leaf, a symbol of Canada, appears in the VIA Rail wordmark.
Supporters
Lynx are animals found across Canada and are known for their ability to travel long distances, sometimes over difficult terrain. The base made of crushed stone and flanked by natural soil represents the ballast found on the track bed of railways.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “The way across the country” and indicates VIA Rail’s services across the country. The use of the Latin word via, meaning “way,” alludes to the name of the organization.
Badge
This follows the design of a law enforcement agency badge in Canada, denoting the responsibilities of VIA Rail police constables. The Royal Crown indicates that VIA Rail has police constables appointed for the enforcement of the laws relating to the protection of persons and property.
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 27, 2021, in Volume 155, page 1316 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of VIA Rail Canada and Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
David Farrar
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Profit Organization