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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.

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Adam Edward Thompson

Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flags and Badge
May 15, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 279

Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.

Blazon

Arms

Argent a stag’s head caboshed Gules its antlers enclosing a pomegranate slipped and leaved proper, a chief potent Azure and Or;

Crest

A Doric capital Argent charged with a pomegranate slipped and leaved proper and ensigned by an ancient crown Or;

Motto

KICK AT THE DARKNESS;

Flag

A standard, the Arms in hoist, the fly Gules charged with the Crest and two representations of the Badge separated by two bends sinister Argent inscribed with the Motto in letters Sable;

Flag

A banner of the Arms;

Badge

A cushion Gules fringed Or and charged with a pomegranate slipped and leaved Or seeded Gules;

Symbolism

Arms

The white field bearing a red stag’s head is a feature of Thompson arms from Scotland, thus indicating Mr. Thompson’s paternal heritage. The pomegranate is a symbol of Judaism and the Torah and is often served at Rosh Hashanah, thus indicating Mr. Thompson’s maternal Jewish heritage. The pomegranate is also a symbol found in Freemasonry, in which Mr. Thompson is active. The pattern of alternating T shapes also refers to the symbolism that often features on Masonic aprons, as do the blue and gold colours.

Crest

The capital of the column, a symbol of Freemasonry, refers to Mr. Thompson’s membership in Doric Lodge No. 58 in Ottawa. The pomegranate repeats the symbolism of the Arms. The coronet is taken from the arms of his alma mater, Queen’s University at Kingston, Ontario, and also alludes to Mr. Thompson’s support for the Canadian monarchy.

Motto

This phrase is taken from the 1984 song "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" by Bruce Cockburn.

Flag

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Flag

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Badge

The cushion refers to those placed on the Clerk’s Table in the Senate of Canada to accommodate the mace, and thus indicates Mr. Thompson’s longstanding work there for the Upper House of Parliament, where he now serves as a Table Officer. The pomegranate repeats the symbolism of the Arms.

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 Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
Debra MacGarvie

Calligrapher
Kathy Feig

Recipient Information

Individual