- 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.
Faculty of Medicine of the University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario
Registration of Arms
August 15, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 407
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per pale Gules and Argent on a fess wavy between three snakes nowed and erect counterchanged the Royal Crown proper, all within a bordure Sable charged with eight open books Or bound Gules;
Crest
A demi-pelican vulning herself proper collared per pale wavy Gules and Argent;
Motto
SANANDO DOCEMUS;
Symbolism
Arms
Red and white are the national colours of Canada. Here, they represent English and French, the nation’s two official languages, and, consequently, the fact that the University of Ottawa is a bilingual institution. The wavy central band represents the Ottawa River. The Royal Crown recalls that Ottawa is the national capital. The coiled snakes evoke that of the rod of Aesculapius, the traditional emblem of medicine. The three snakes also represent the Faculty’s three levels of studies: undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral. The golden books on the black border evoke the light of science and knowledge overcoming the darkness of ignorance and fear.
Crest
In ancient legend and Christian tradition, the pelican is the embodiment of sacrifice and compassion. Here, it represents the practice of medicine. The wavy division of the collar repeats the symbolism of the Arms.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “In healing, we teach.”
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 Jean-Jacques Lussier, assisted by the heralds 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
Civil Institution
Educational
The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 18 February 1971.