- 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.
Claude Joseph Daniel Bigras
Montréal, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Alain Joseph Richard Maurice Bigras, Julien Joseph Claude Lafleur Bigras and Émilie Irène-Carmen Pelletier
December 15, 2020
Vol. VII, p. 308
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per fess Azure and Gules in chief a lion couchant guardant Or, in base three sprigs of Scotch broom issuant from a strawberry flower barbed and seeded proper;
Crest
A beaver sejant erect Or on a grassy mount proper holding in its dexter paw a key its bow upward in the form of a fleur-de-lis Azure and resting its sinister paw on a strawberry proper;
Motto
AVEC CŒUR ET PASSION;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A lion’s face Or holding in its mouth a key fesswise, its bow in the form of a fleur-de-lis Azure, all within a wreath of Scotch broom set with three strawberry flowers proper;
Differenced Arms for Alain Joseph Richard Maurice Bigras, child of Claude Joseph Daniel Bigras
The Arms of Claude Joseph Daniel Bigras debruised of a three-point label Argent during his father’s lifetime; This individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his or her death;
Differenced Arms for Julien Joseph Claude Lafleur Bigras, child of Claude Joseph Daniel Bigras
The Arms of Claude Joseph Daniel Bigras debruised in honour point of a crescent Argent;
Differenced Arms of Émilie Irène-Carmen Pelletier, stepchild of Claude Joseph Daniel Bigras
The Arms of Claude Joseph Daniel Bigras with the Azure field of the Arms semé of ermine spots Argent;
Symbolism
Arms
The blue, which is Mr. Bigras’ favourite colour, represents the St. Lawrence River, while the red represents Montréal, where he lives. The lion, both serene and vigilant, staring straight at the observer, reflects Mr. Bigras’ leadership, energy and composure throughout his career. The three flowering broom sprigs allude to his two sons and stepdaughter. Highly resistant and used both to rehabilitate disused areas and formerly in the manufacture of brushes and brooms, the broom plant symbolizes hard work and cleanliness. Here, it more specifically represents Mr. Bigras’ career with janitorial services and building maintenance companies, as well as the values that guide his work, such as integrity, motivation and passion. The strawberry flower alludes to his spouse’s surname Lafleur, meaning “the flower” in French. Calling to mind homemade pies and jams made from freshly picked strawberries, this delicate flower also represents tradition, family and love, the ingredients of life that are dear to Mr. Bigras.
Crest
The beaver, a symbol of industry, alludes to Mr. Bigras’ career in construction and building maintenance. It also represents his Canadian patriotism. The key refers to Mr. Bigras’ career in the fields of janitorial services and investments. More generally, it symbolizes his sense of responsibility. The colour blue and fleur-de-lis indicate his Quebec identity. The strawberry, with its blood-red colour and heart shape, symbolizes passion, thus reiterating Mr. Bigras’ motto.
Motto
This French phrase means “With heart and passion.”
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Alain Joseph Richard Maurice Bigras, child of Claude Joseph Daniel Bigras
The three-point label indicates that he will inherit his father’s arms.
Differenced Arms for Julien Joseph Claude Lafleur Bigras, child of Claude Joseph Daniel Bigras
The crescent indicates that he is the younger son.
Differenced Arms of Émilie Irène-Carmen Pelletier, stepchild of Claude Joseph Daniel Bigras
The ermine spots refer to her surname, Pelletier (French for “furrier”), a term historically used to designate someone who prepared and sold furs.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 27, 2021, in Volume 155, page 1320 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
Ilona Jurkiewicz
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual