- 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.
David Macdonald Stewart
Montréal, Quebec
Registration of Arms
September 15, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 418
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Or a fess chequy Azure and Argent between in chief a heart voided of the field between two cross-crosslets fitché Gules and in base a tobacco leaf proper, all within a bordure Gules;
Crest
A demi-Himalayan cat holding a tobacco leaf proper;
Motto
ANIMUS ADVERSUS ADVERSA;
Symbolism
Arms
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The chequered blue and white pattern set on a yellow background is frequently found in the arms of members of the Scottish clan Stewart, while this type of cross is taken from the badge of Clan Donald, to which the Macdonalds belong. The tobacco leaf represents Mr. Stewart’s position as president of Macdonald Tobacco Inc., while the heart was a longstanding emblem of the tobacco sold by the company.
Crest
The Himalayan cat represents Mr. Stewart’s favourite pet, Tadja. The tobacco leaf repeats the symbolism of the Arms.
Motto
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. This Latin expression roughly translates to “Animosity is against contraries.”
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 Court of the Lord Lyon, Edinburgh.
Painter
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Individual
The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded in the records of the Court of the Lord Lyon, Edinburgh, Scotland, 21 February 1972.