- 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.
Peter Harrison
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Flag, with differences to Anne Alexia Françoise Harrison, Anthony Peter Harrison, Xavier Anthony Laporte and Alexandra Margaux Laporte
September 15, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 210
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure a chief enarched Argent overall a convex kite counterchanged;
Crest
Two sockeye salmon leaping proper above a rose Gules between two trilliums, all barbed and seeded proper;
Motto
PROTECTING NORTHERN OCEANS;
Flag
A guidon, the Arms in hoist, the fly Argent charged with the Crest;
Differenced Arms for Anne Alexia Françoise Harrison, child of Peter Harrison
The Arms of Peter Harrison with an isosceles triangle counterchanged instead of the convex kite during her father’s lifetime; This individual will ultimately inherit the Arms;
Differenced Arms for Anthony Peter Harrison, child of Peter Harrison
The Arms of Peter Harrison with a comet counterchanged instead of the convex kite;
Differenced Arms for Xavier Anthony Laporte, grandchild of Peter Harrison
The Arms of Peter Harrison with a billet counterchanged instead of the convex kite during his grandfather’s lifetime;
Differenced Arms for Alexandra Margaux Laporte, grandchild of Peter Harrison
The Arms of Peter Harrison with a billet its upper edge enarched counterchanged instead of the convex kite;
Symbolism
Arms
Blue represents the oceans, and white, the northern landscape. The curved line represents the 60th parallel north, a circle of latitude that crosses northern Canada, viewed from the north. The geometric shape alludes to an iceberg, with only a small portion of it emerging above the ocean. Together, these elements symbolize Dr. Harrison’s expertise in and contribution to the management of the Arctic Ocean, his research in the field and his work for the government of Canada.
Crest
The sockeye salmon – a species found in the North Pacific Ocean and adjacent rivers – refer to Dr. Harrison’s work in the field of ocean management as Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Canada, in the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and in other federal agencies. They also commemorate his meeting his spouse Christine Duverger at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, in a class on salmon management. The trillium is the emblematic flower of Ontario, where he and his spouse have resided for more than 50 years. The red rose of Lancaster is the symbol of the County of Lancashire, England, his birthplace.
Motto
This phrase summarizes the focus of Dr. Harrison’s professional life.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Anne Alexia Françoise Harrison, child of Peter Harrison
The triangle alludes to the letter A, the initial of her name, and to an arrowhead, symbolizing quickness of mind.
Differenced Arms for Anthony Peter Harrison, child of Peter Harrison
The comet pays tribute to his brief yet bright passage through this life.
Differenced Arms for Xavier Anthony Laporte, grandchild of Peter Harrison
The rectangle alludes to a door and refers to the name Laporte, which is French for “the door.”
Differenced Arms for Alexandra Margaux Laporte, grandchild of Peter Harrison
The arched figure alludes to a door and refers to the name Laporte, which is French for “the door.”
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
Desirée Kern
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual