- 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.
Supreme Court of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Flag and Badges
April 15, 2020
Vol. VII, p. 250
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Badge
A plate charged with two pallets Gules, overall a lozenge lozengy Gules and Argent charged with maple leaves alternately Or and Gules, all within an annulus Argent edged Or inscribed LA COUR SUPRÊME • THE SUPREME COURT and CANADA in letters Sable, ensigned by the Royal Crown Or jewelled and its cap Gules lined Ermine and environed by a laurel wreath Or fructed Gules;
Motto
JUSTITIA ET VERITAS;
Flag
Gules on a Canadian pale Argent a lozenge lozengy Gules and Argent charged with maple leaves alternately Or and Gules;
Badge
A monogram composed of the letters S and C Gules fimbriated and within an annulus Or charged with a laurel wreath Vert fructed Gules;
Symbolism
Badge
(new emblem) The round shape represents harmony and collegiality. The white background conveys the ideal of transparency and accessibility in the court system. Red and white are emblematic of Canada, while gold symbolizes excellence. The vertical red stripes, representing parallel paths and the idea of uninterrupted movement, indicate that the Court is responsible for applying the law in the two juridical traditions of the country – common law and civil law – and that it is a bilingual institution, working in both English and French. Recalling the notion of mutual respect represented by two-row wampum belts, these stripes also symbolize the important contributions of Canada’s First Nations to the evolution of Canadian society and law. The large diamond and its pattern of lozenges represent the Court of nine judges and the central role it plays as the country’s court of final appeal and as the guarantor of the Constitution and the rights and freedoms of all Canadians.
Motto
These Latin words mean “Justice and truth.” They are also the names of the two statues, allegories of Justice and Truth, which stand vigil in front of the Supreme Court.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
(historic emblem) The “Cormier Emblem,” created by the distinguished Montréal architect Ernest Cormier who designed the Supreme Court building in Ottawa, is embedded in the marble floor of its grand hall. It shows two stylized capital letters, S and C, for “Supreme Court,” and laurels, typical of judicial symbolism.
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 Claire Boudreau, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Palina Klimava
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Federal Agency