- 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.
Jim Yuan Lai
Markham, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Alexander Ying Ming Lai and Cassandra Ying Tsi Lai
April 15, 2020
Vol. VII, p. 247
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent an oak tree Gules and a linden tree Vert both eradicated and intertwined, a chief embattled Gules charged with three flames Or;
Crest
A fenghuang wings elevated and addorsed Vert embellished Or resting its dexter claw on a Maltese cross Argent;
Motto
高 瞻 遠 矚;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A demi-lion Or holding a girdle book Gules clasped Or;
Differenced Arms for Alexander Ying Ming Lai, child of Jim Yuan Lai
The Arms of Jim Yuan Lai debruised of a three-point label Or during his father’s lifetime; This individual will inherit the Arms following the death of the Recipient;
Differenced Arms for Cassandra Ying Tsi Lai, child of Jim Yuan Lai
The Arms of Jim Yuan Lai within a bordure Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The intertwining trees symbolize the relationship of Dr. Lai and his wife. The image is borrowed from Ovid’s moralizing story of Philemon and Baucis which explores poverty, kindness, and hospitality. The crenelated chief represents his service in the Canadian Armed Forces as a member of the Royal Canadian Dental Corps. The white merlons evoking teeth and gums needing treatment symbolize his occupation as a periodontist. The flames symbolize the active spirit of inspiration in education and allude to Dr. Lai’s service as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto.
Crest
The fenghuang (sometimes called the Chinese phoenix) represents life and happiness, as well as Dr. Lai’s connection to Hong Kong. Green and gold are the colours of Ontario. The cross symbolizes Dr. Lai’s service in the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, in which he served as the Provincial Commissioner of Ontario.
Motto
These Chinese characters mean “Look far ahead and aim high” in Cantonese.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The lion represents strength and leadership. The girdle book represents education, both Dr. Lai’s own and his service as Vice-Dean in the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto.
Differenced Arms for Alexander Ying Ming Lai, child of Jim Yuan Lai
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Cassandra Ying Tsi Lai, child of Jim Yuan Lai
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 1315 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
D. Robert Tunstall
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual