- 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.
Douglas Jack Keirstead
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
November 20, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 449
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure two buisines in saltire Or above a bar gemel wavy Argent;
Crest
A demi-loon proper holding in its beak a quill Or and rising from barry wavy Azure and Argent;
Motto
RELENTLESS IN SERVICE;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
Two buisines in saltire environed by a ring of aiguillettes their aglets to the sinister Or;
Symbolism
Arms
Blue refers to the sky, and thus to Lieutenant-Colonel Keirstead’s military service with the Royal Canadian Air Force. In conjunction with the wavy stripes, it also refers to his service with the Royal Canadian Navy as a Public Affairs Officer. With the colour white, it alludes to the flag of Quebec, the province in which his wife was born. The two colours are also those of the flag of Nova Scotia, his native province. The trumpets represent his career as a communications professional.
Crest
The loon represents Ontario, LCol Keirstead’s province of residence, whereas the quill represents his service as a Public Affairs Officer. The wavy stripes are additional references to his maritime roots and military service.
Motto
This phrase conveys the dedication of LCol Keirstead’s career in service to Canada as a commissioned officer in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The trumpets repeat the symbolism of the Arms. The aiguillettes serve as a reminder of LCol Keirstead’s service as an aide-de-camp to the lieutenant governors of Nova Scotia and Ontario.
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 Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Robert Grey
Calligrapher
Sachas Bénard
Recipient Information
Individual