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Montréal, Quebec
Grant of Arms and Supporters
December 7, 1994
Vol. II, p. 363
Arms of Pierre Elliott TrudeauBlazonGules a representation of a Montreal dwelling under construction (tempore 1680) between three garbs Or in centre chief on a square billet the mark of the Prime Ministership of Canada (Argent four maple leaves conjoined in cross at the stem Gules); SymbolismThe late 17th–century Montreal townhouse honours Étienne Truteau, a master carpenter who was the original Trudeau ancestor in New France. It also alludes to the idea of building up society inherent in Mr. Trudeau’s own career. The garbs of wheat represent his family’s agricultural heritage from the 18th and 19th centuries. Their number refers to his three sons. The heraldic emblem of the Prime Minister of Canada appears in the upper centre. |
CrestBlazonA demi griffin Gules gorged with a ceinture fléchée Proper holding in the dexter foreclaw an ansul Or; SymbolismThe griffin is an ancient symbol of justice and equity, often associated with the law. Mr. Trudeau’s legal career and his involvement with civil and constitutional law are also represented by the scales of justice. The ceinture fléchée, or sash, honours his coureurs des bois ancestors. |
MottoBlazonFAIRE CONTREPOIDS · PROVIDE COUNTERWEIGHTS; SymbolismThis phrase expresses Mr. Trudeau’s philosophy of government. As it is shown in both official languages, it also acknowledges Mr. Trudeau’s commitment to official bilingualism. |
SupportersBlazonOn a mound set with conifers Vert rising above barry wavy Argent and Azure dexter a coureur de bois (tempore 1680) holding in the dexter hand a canoe paddle the blade downwards all proper and sinister a Scots townswoman (tempore 1680) proper holding in the sinister hand a baton Azure; SymbolismThe coureur de bois symbolizes Mr. Trudeau’s French Canadian pioneer ancestors, and the Scots townswoman his maternal heritage. The blue baton she holds is found in coats of arms associated with Scottish Elliotts. The compartment of trees and water symbolize the great natural landscape of Canada. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on April 22, 1995 in Volume 129, page 1190 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterLinda Nicholson CalligrapherNancy Ellis Recipient TypeIndividual Special DesignationPrime Minister |