- 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.
Brock University
St. Catharines, Ontario
Registration of Arms and Supporters
November 15, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 235
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gules an eagle displayed Or surmounted by an open book proper edged Azure bound and clasped Or, on a chief Argent an escallop between a maple leaf and a trillium flower proper;
Crest
A torch enflamed proper entwined by a serpent Vert all surmounting two calumets in saltire proper;
Supporters
Dexter a beaver sinister a brock proper;
Motto
SURGITE;
Symbolism
Arms
The gold eagle on red and the white chief are features of the arms of the university’s namesake, Major-General Sir Isaac Brock. The shell represents the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, which is stationed in St. Catharines. The maple leaf represents Canada, and the trillium, Ontario. The book alludes to knowledge and learning.
Crest
The torch represents learning, and the serpent represents wisdom. The calumets, Indigenous ceremonial pipes, symbolize Canada, friendship and accord.
Supporters
The beaver is emblematic of Canada and symbolizes hard work and industry. The badger, also known as a brock, is a canting reference to Major-General Brock’s name and embodies the idea of tenacity.
Motto
This Latin word means “Push on.” Major-General Brock is reputed to have said this phrase in English shortly before he was killed during the Battle of Queenston Heights in 1812, which is a short distance from the university campus.
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 James Alexander Gibson, assisted by members of the Brock University board of governors and the heralds of the College of Arms, London.
Painter
Artist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
University
The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 10 December 1965.