- 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.
Sylvain Fortin
Terrebonne, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Olivier Fortin and Mathieu Fortin
July 15, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 402
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per pale Vert and Or, a castle of one tower issuant from a base barry wavy, in dexter chief a sconce enflamed and in sinister chief a heart, all counterchanged;
Crest
A fox’s mask and two fox cubs’ masks in pairle reversed proper and surmounting a sword Or and a sword Vert in saltire their hilts flory in chief;
Motto
AVEC SAVOIR ET HUMANITÉ;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A fox’s mask and two fox cubs’ masks in pairle reversed proper and surmounting a sword Or and a sword Vert in saltire their hilts flory in chief;
Differenced Arms for Olivier Fortin, child of Sylvain Fortin
The Arms of Sylvain Fortin within a bordure counterchanged during his father’s lifetime; This individual will ultimately inherit the Arms;
Differenced Arms for Mathieu Fortin, child of Sylvain Fortin
The Arms of Sylvain Fortin within a double bordure counterchanged;
Symbolism
Arms
Green represents both the name Sylvain—derived from the Latin word silva, meaning “forest”—and summer, Mr. Fortin’s favourite season. Yellow symbolizes enlightenment and, by extension, the knowledge he acquired during his university studies in health law. The bipartite composition evokes the idea of balance: it illustrates that knowledge, represented by the torch, and kindness, represented by the heart, are equally important and should always guide our actions. The torch and the heart also allude to the motto. The fortress refers to the name Fortin while also emphasizing a life dedicated to defending vulnerable people. The wavy lines evoke a moat filled with water that encircles a fortress; the water element pays tribute to Mr. Fortin’s mother, whose name alludes to water.
Crest
For Mr. Fortin, the fox embodies daring and intelligence. The three fox heads represent him and his two sons. The sword symbolizes action, serving as a reminder that any action in support of vulnerable people is akin to a battle against numerous challenges. The hilt resembles the shape of a fleur-de-lis, symbolizing his home province of Quebec.
Motto
This French phrase means “With knowledge and humanity,” underscoring Mr. Fortin’s goal in life to grow by continually expanding his knowledge and sense of humanity.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Olivier Fortin, child of Sylvain Fortin
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Mathieu Fortin, child of Sylvain Fortin
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
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 the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Lara Claire Berry
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual