- The Governor General of Canada
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Mitchell David Anderson
, Pully, Switzerland
Grant of Arms
January 15, 2026
Vol. VIII, p. 465
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per fess dancetty Azure and Vert, a fess dancetty Argent between in chief the Little Dipper, the North Star to the sinister, and in base a sextant Or, its telescope to dexter;
Crest
A demi-moose Sable attired and unguled issuant from a coronet Or of yellow toadflax and Scottish bluebells proper;
Motto
VERITAS DUCENS STELLA;
Symbolism
Arms
Blue represents the sky and oceans, and green represents clean technology, thus alluding to Dr. Anderson’s mission to help the environment through science and technology. The Little Dipper asterism contains the North Star and can only be seen in the Northern hemisphere. It therefore refers to his time in the north, as well as to his ancestors’ roots in northern Ontario and Manitoba. The sextant is an instrument related to his field of specialization in optics and physics, and which also alludes to his love of history and of historical objects. Moreover, the sextant symbolizes Dr. Anderson’s love of exploration, travel and sailing. Finally, it illustrates his dedication to following the right path. The white serrated band embodies the mountains of Switzerland and, therefore, Dr. Anderson’s place of residence.
Crest
The moose alludes to the Anderson family’s tradition of hunting in rural Ontario, as well as to Dr. Anderson’s Swedish ancestry, since it is the national animal of Sweden. The Scottish bluebell is a reference to his Scottish ancestry, while the yellow toadflax was a plant imported by German-speaking immigrants in the 19th century, particularly the Mennonite community with its origins in Switzerland, thus evoking his maternal heritage.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Truth is the guiding star.” It underscores the importance of being truthful and honest in actions, words and thoughts. The idea of the guiding star represents direction and navigation, implying that truth acts as a constant and reliable guide through life’s journey.
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 Mitchell David Anderson and Alix Chartrand, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Yana Klimava
Calligrapher
Yolande Lessard
Recipient Information
Individual