- 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.
Conservation Officer Service
Victoria, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
February 20, 2004
Vol. IV, p. 353
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure within an orle Argent an inescutcheon of the Arms of the Province of British Columbia (Argent three bars wavy Azure issuant from the base over all a demi sun in splendour Or a chief of the Royal Union Flag charged in the centre with an antique crown Or);
Crest
A demi Kermode bear (Ursus americanus Kermodie) holding in the dexter paw a sprig of Western red cedar proper;
Supporters
Two bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) Argent attired and unguled Or standing on a rock proper;
Motto
INTEGRITY • SERVICE • PROTECTION;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
The shield of the Arms of the Conservation Officer Service within an annulus Argent fimbriated and inscribed INTEGRITY SERVICE PROTECTION in letters Azure, ensigned by the Royal Crown proper and encircled by a wreath of maple leaves Or and western red cedar sprigs issuant from a Pacific dogwood flower proper, the whole resting on a scroll Argent fimbriated and inscribed CONSERVATION OFFICER SERVICE in letters Azure;
Symbolism
Arms
The use of the provincial arms, in the centre of the shield, indicates that the Conservation Officer Service is a provincial agency. The blue is a colour of the Service, and is often associated with law enforcement. The white band, or orle, is a mark of protection, and it refers to the Conservation Officer Service (C.O.S.)’s mandate to protect the province’s environment.
Crest
The bear is a traditional symbol of protection as the animal is well-known for protecting its young. Here it appears as the rare and beautiful Kermode bear found in the interior of British Columbia. It thus alludes to the C.O.S.’s role in protecting the province’s natural heritage for future generations. The cedar is the province’s official tree.
Supporters
The bighorn sheep is one of the supporters of the arms of British Columbia. It alludes to the tenacity and determination of the Conservation Officer Service. The rocky compartment refers to the mountains that are an outstanding feature of British Columbia’s geography.
Motto
Not applicable
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The badge takes the form of a police badge, to indicate the Service’s law enforcement responsibilities. The main difference is the use of the cedar sprigs along with the maple leaves.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 12, 2005, in Volume 139, page 687 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Provincial & Territorial (Agency and other)