- 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.
Reginald Brian Land
North York, Ontario
Grant of Arms
May 24, 1995
Vol. III, p. 9
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gules on a pale Argent between in chief two open books Proper bound Or a sword point upward and a foul anchor in saltire surmounted by a calumet in pale bowl upward all interlaced with a chaplet of olive leaves Azure between two Loyalist civil coronets in pale Gules;
Crest
On a helmet mantled Gules doubled Argent within a wreath of these colours issuant from a circle of trillium flowers Argent seeded Or leaved Vert a demi griffin Azure wings semé of crosses botonné Or its dexter paw resting on a closed book upright Gules clasped Or;
Motto
ENITOR NE OPERA CONSILIO LABORE DESIM;
Symbolism
Arms
The red and white of the shield represent the colours of Canada and of University College at the University of Toronto, Brian Land’s alma mater. The two open books recall the commitment and devotion that Professor Land has exhibited towards acquiring, preserving and passing on knowledge to others in his personal, professional and voluntary activities. The two Loyalist coronets represent Professor and Mrs. Land, both descendants of Loyalist ancestors who contributed to the formation of the province of Ontario. This theme is continued by the calumet-sword-anchor emblem designed by Governor Simcoe as part of the Great Seal of Upper Canada, 1792-1841.
Crest
The circlet of white trillium flowers refers to Professor Land’s native Province of Ontario as well as his place of service. The griffin, a symbol of justice and equity, denotes his distinguished service as Legislative Librarian. The colour blue introduces the palette of the Union Jack of the Loyalist era, while the bottony crosses on the griffin’s wings recall Mrs. Land’s Loyalist roots in the State of Maryland. (This type of cross was found in the arms of Lord Baltimore). The book clasped in the griffin’s talons represents the various positions held by Professor Land in the fields of library science, academia, university administration and government service.
Motto
This Latin phrase is a quote from Cicero meaning “I strive not to be found wanting in service, advice and practical assistance” and reflects the values inherent in Prof. Land’s professional career in libraries, library education and the public service.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 14, 1995, in Volume 129, page 3593 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Suzzann Wright
Recipient Information
Individual