- The Governor General of Canada
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John Harvard
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Grant of Arms and Supporters
June 15, 2005
Vol. IV, p. 507
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gyronny of twelve Gules and Argent, a roundel counterchanged;
Crest
The statue Eternal Youth, known as “Golden Boy”, by George Gardet, Or;
Supporters
Two sandhill cranes Argent crested Gules beaked and membered Sable standing on a rocky mound Argent issuant from a base tapissé of wheat Or;
Motto
SUPPORT THE PUBLIC GOOD;
Symbolism
Arms
Red and white are colours favoured by Their Honours (the Hon. John Harvard and his wife, Lenore Berscheid), and are also the colours of Canada. The design makes visual allusions to values that are particularly important to them. The alternately coloured segments meeting in the centre refer to diversity and multiculturalism. They can be seen as coming together, but also as reaching out, thus alluding to His Honour’s commitment (as broadcast journalist, M.P., and Lieutenant Governor) to helping those otherwise forgotten. The circle can refer to a round table, indicative of equality and involvement of all. The twelve segments are those of the hours of a clock, showing that watching time was vital in His Honour’s original career as a radio journalist. The symbolism of time also connects to His Honour’s interest in studying history.
Crest
The “Golden Boy” statue is a well-known symbol of Manitoba and underlines His Honour’s parliamentary role.
Supporters
The sandhill crane is a bird found in Manitoba. The rocky base refers to the Canadian Shield and thus to Her Honour’s birthplace of Bisset in the northern region of Manitoba, while the wheat field refers to the fact that His Honour grew up on a farm in the Rural Municipality of South Cypress, in the south west of the province.
Motto
This sentence indicates Their Honours' commitment to public service.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 4, 2006, in Volume 140, page 430 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Individual
Lieutenant-Governor