- 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.
La Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador
St.John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
October 15, 2004
Vol. IV, p. 405
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per bend sinister Azure and Gules, a pile reversed issuant from the dexter flank and truncated in chief Argent, overall in sinister chief two billowing sails in pale Or, the first charged with a black spruce twig Sable, the second charged with a pitcher plant flower Sable voided Or;
Crest
An hourglass proper, its case Azure;
Supporters
Two salamanders Azure speckled Or, enflamed and set on a rocky mound proper;
Motto
UN PAS APRÈS L'AUTRE;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
On a square Or an escutcheon per bend sinister Azure and Gules charged with a pile reversed issuant from the dexter flank and truncated in the sinister chief Argent;
Symbolism
Arms
The shield displays the same content and symbolism as the flag adopted in 1986 by the Fédération. The blue, white and red, being the colours of the Acadian flag, underline French origins. These elements, along with the sails, commemorate the arrival of French ancestors at Newfoundland and Labrador. The black spruce twig is an emblem of Labrador, and the pitcher plant is the floral emblem of the province.
Crest
The hourglass represents the past, the present and the future and also the notion of anchoring in time the actions taken by the Fédération to preserve and develop the French language. The hourglass is a powerful symbol of the organization that also conveys the idea of continuous advancement forward.
Supporters
The salamanders highlight the energetic approach of the Fédération. The mythical salamanders thrive in fire and are immortal. They thus represent the enduring nature of the Fédération and its continuing role over the years, and they express the predominant qualities of the Fédération, both its strength and its long-term commitment. The salamander was the badge of King Francis I of France, in whose name Jacques Cartier set sail for Canada.
Motto
Meaning “One step at a time”, the Motto expresses the idea of sustained effort and of the results that flow from building upon patient collective efforts. It also refers to the perseverance and the hope that underlie any cause aiming at a better future.
Flag
The Fédération has used this flag since 1986.
Badge
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 12, 2005, in Volume 139, page 689 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Lyly Fortin (flag) and Claire Boudreau, Saint-Laurent Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
David Farrar
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Cultural Organization