- 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.
Matthew O'Brien
Hamilton, Ontario
Grant of Arms
April 15, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 272
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Vert a dove wings displayed Argent environed by an ouroboros Argent spotted Sable;
Crest
A raven wings displayed Sable, beaked, membered and charged with a pheon Or;
Motto
VERITAS • LIBERTAS • AMBITIO;
Symbolism
Arms
Green represents Mr. O’Brien’s love of outdoor activities, as well as olive groves in Italy, his mother’s native country. It also alludes to the colour of the army uniform he wore when he was a cadet. The dove and the serpent illustrate the biblical verse Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” The circle formed by the serpent alludes to the initial of his surname. The serpent also echoes the encircling chain on the arms of Hamilton, Ontario, Mr. O’Brien’s birthplace.
Crest
Known for its cleverness, the raven embodies intelligence. The pheon—a heraldic arrowhead—symbolizes weaponry. Together, they represent Mr. O’Brien as a military intelligence officer. The use of birds in both the Arms and the Crest highlights his background in the Air Cadets and his work in the Royal Canadian Air Force. The pheon also marks his enjoyment of hunting and target shooting.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Truth, freedom, ambition.”
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
D. Robert Tunstall
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual