- 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 Asper Foundation
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Grant of Arms, Supporters and Flag
January 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 265
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Barry Azure and Or a pile reversed Gules;
Crest
Issuant from a coronet erablé Or a demi lion Gules charged on the shoulder with a Magen David and holding in its dexter paw a torch Or;
Supporters
Two eagles Or membered Gules each gorged with a collar Azure pendent therefrom a hurt charged with a hand, standing on a mound of prairie grass Or above barry wavy Azure and Argent;
Motto
LEAD BY EXAMPLE;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Symbolism
Arms
The alternating bands of blue and gold, colours which have significance for the Asper family, symbolize a series of steps that a person or organization can take while striving to better their situation. The red shape evokes both the "A" of Asper and the notion of reaching upward for excellence.
Crest
The coronet represents the Foundation's service to Canada. The lion symbolizes both the Jewish heritage of the creators of the Foundation and the spirit of its work, reaching out and making a difference in a great variety of situations. The Magen David, also known as the Shield or Star of David, refers to the Foundation's support of many Jewish community institution and initiatives. The torch has long been a symbol of striving for enlightenment, and in this instance, it represents the way in which help from the Foundation enables recipients to take a comprehensive look at their projects and use the support to best advantage.
Supporters
The eagle is a bird noted for its strength and acuity of sight; therefore, it represents the ability of the officers of the Foundation to seek out and identify needs and respond to them. The gold hands are a reference to one of Mr. Asper's suggestions for a motto, "A helping hand". The grass and the blue and white wavy bars represent the Prairies and the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Taken together these refer to Winnipeg, the Foundation's home site.
Motto
This is a key element in the Foundation's philosophy.
Flag
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 December 20, 2003, in Volume 137, page 3981 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
Eva Pilar-Cass
Calligrapher
Judith Bainbridge
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Foundation / charitable body