- 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.
Joseph Ralph Harper
Montréal, Quebec
Registration of Arms
July 15, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 395
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per fess Sable and Or a lion rampant counterchanged gorged with an antique crown Gules and holding a harp Or;
Crest
A demi-lion per fess Or and Sable gorged with an antique coronet Gules and holding a harp Or;
Motto
TE DEUM LAUDAMUS;
Symbolism
Arms
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. A lion is common in the arms of persons bearing the name Harper. The harp is a canting reference to Mr. Harper’s surname. The crown likely refers to his father’s time living in China, as this is also called an eastern crown.
Crest
The lion, harp and crown repeat the symbolism of the Arms.
Motto
This Latin expression means “We praise thee, O God.” This is the opening line of an ancient Christian song of thanksgiving.
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 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
Individual
The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 8 June 1970.