- 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.
Charles Gibbs Cowan
Cannington, Ontario
Registration of Arms
October 15, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 432
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent a bar gemel wavy Azure, in chief two maple leaves Gules, overall a sword proper;
Crest
A loon within a circlet of thistles, dog roses and shamrocks proper;
Motto
GOD IS MY HELP;
Symbolism
Arms
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The maple leaves allude to Major Cowan’s Canadian identity and serve as a reference to the name of his home, “The Maples,” while the sword likely evokes his military and legal careers.
Crest
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The thistle and shamrock likely allude to Scottish and Irish ancestry.
Motto
GOD IS MY HELP.
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, 15 January 1973.