- 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.
James Lorne Gray
Deep River, Ontario
Registration of Arms and Badge
March 20, 2026
Vol. VIII, p. 485
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Barry wavy Or and Sable a pile reversed throughout barry indented Gules and Or;
Crest
A garb Or bound by a band raguly and charged in base with two spur rowels Gules;
Motto
SPICAE ET ATOMI VIRES CELANT;
Badge
A lozenge per fess barry indented Gules and Or and barry wavy Or and Sable dimidiating a maple leaf Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The design represents a nuclear reactor. The wavy stripes allude to the water in a reactor core, into which the “pile” of uranium and other materials is immersed to create energy, illustrated here by the jagged pattern. The heraldic term for a triangular shape is “pile,” the same term used for early nuclear reactors such as the one at Chalk River, Ontario. The design thus marks Mr. Gray’s career in the field of nuclear energy with Chalk River Laboratories and as president of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited.
Crest
The wheat symbolizes Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where Mr. Gray was born and educated.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Spikes and atoms conceal strengths.”
Badge
The maple leaf represents Mr. Gray’s Canadian nationality. The patterned triangular shapes allude to the design of the Arms.
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, 1 May 1975.