- 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.
The Army Cadet League of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
March 31, 1995
Vol. III, p. 8
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent two swords in saltire Argent fimbriated Gules hilted and pommelled Or surmounted by a maple leaf Gules veined Or all within an orle of twelve maple leaves stems inward Gules;
Crest
Issuant from a coronet erablé Or a dexter arm in armour embowed Argent the naked hand proper grasping a maple sapling Or;
Supporters
On a grassy mound set with maple seeds Or dexter a young lion sinister a young lionness both Argent semé of ermine spots Gules each guardant and gorged with a collar of pine Vert and pine cones Or;
Motto
HODIE NOBIS CRAS VOBIS;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
Within an orle of twelve swords hilts inwards a sun in splendour Or charged with a maple leaf Gules;
Symbolism
Arms
The white shield, bearing a maple leaf and crossed broad swords, alludes to a central Canadian entity with direct connection to the military. The twelve smaller maple leaves show singleness of purpose but at the Branch level.
Crest
The crown of golden maple leaves shows the worth and stature of the League’s undertaking. The knightly armoured forearm is a sign for honour, strength and soldierly experience behind the hand that has been entrusted with and sustains the youth of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, represented by the gold maple branch.
Supporters
The green grassy mound with maple seeds portrays the homeland which has brought forth the youth and for which they stand. The colour white of the supporters connotes a “clean slate” which has yet to be impressed upon, and the red ermine spots show their noble nature. The royal fur of ermine also gives the cadets a sense of their identity, acting for Canada. The collars of green pine signify the outdoor training advocated by the League and the gold pine cones show its worth.
Motto
Meaning “Today, our cause; tomorrow, yours”, this phrase implies tradition maintained from one generation to another.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The swords represent the provinces and territories of Canada and allude to the spirit of those who support the Army Cadets. The sun symbolizes striving for excellence, and the maple leaf at the centre of the sun is a traditional symbol of Canada.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 14, 1995, in Volume 129, page 3592 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert McColgan and Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Robert Létourneau
Calligrapher
Suzzann Wright
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Club & Social Organization