- The Governor General of Canada
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François Imad Metlej
Gatineau, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Élina Nour-El-Sabah Metlej and Renaud Shawi Metlej
September 15, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 208
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure a Cerberus sejant affronty Or, each head collared chequy Vert and Argent;
Crest
A tower Or masoned Azure charged with an orange blossom leaved, all between two olive branches proper;
Motto
VIRTUS ET HONOS;
Flag
Azure the Cerberus of the Arms cantoned by four orange blossoms proper;
Badge
Two scimitars in saltire surmounted by an orange slipped and leaved proper;
Differenced Arms for Élina Nour-El-Sabah Metlej, child of François Imad Metlej
The Arms of François Imad Metlej debruised of a three-point label Argent during her father’s lifetime; This individual will ultimately inherit the Arms;
Differenced Arms for Renaud Shawi Metlej, child of François Imad Metlej
The Arms of François Imad Metlej Or instead of Azure and the Cerberus Azure instead of Or;
Symbolism
Arms
Cerberus is a three-headed dog who, according to Greek mythology, guards the kingdom of Hades. He symbolizes vigilance and defence, and thus Mr. Metlej’s responsibilities during his career as a soldier and police officer. As a terrifying creature from the Underworld, Cerberus also serves as a constant reminder of the need to face one’s fears and a call to courage. Blue and gold are often associated with policing, underscoring Mr. Metlej’s profession. Blue also evokes the Mediterranean and thus his childhood in Lebanon.
Crest
The tower is a defensive structure that refers to the military and police professions not only of Mr. Metlej, but also of several members of his family over several generations. More particularly, it represents the castle of Saint-Gilles in his hometown of Tripoli, Lebanon. Lebanon is also represented here by the orange blossom. The olive branch, a symbol of peace, recalls the trees in his childhood garden.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Courage and honour.”
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The arrangement of the two swords in the shape of an X is common to badges of many Canadian Armed Forces units, and recalls Mr. Metlej’s military service. As they are scimitars—Arab swords with curved blades—these weapons also evoke his Lebanese origins. The orange echoes the symbolism of the orange blossom in the crest.
Differenced Arms for Élina Nour-El-Sabah Metlej, child of François Imad Metlej
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Renaud Shawi Metlej, child of François Imad Metlej
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 January 1, 1900, in Volume 0, page 0 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Fabienne Fusade, Miramichi Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Melissa Aberin
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual