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.
Toronto, Ontario
Registration of Arms and a Badge
January 15, 2021
Vol. VII, p. 316
Arms of James Stuart DuncanBlazonBarry wavy Azure and Argent in chief two cogwheels and in base a garb Or, on a chief embattled Argent two wings conjoined in fess Azure; SymbolismThe Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The cogwheels and garb refer to Mr. Duncan’s career as general manager then president of the agricultural equipment maker Massey-Harris. They may also allude to many of the positions he held, including as chairman of the Combined Agriculture and Food Committee of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, chairman of the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario, and chairman of the National Conference on Engineering, Scientific and Technical Manpower. The wings represent his role as Acting Deputy Minister of National Defence for Air, in which capacity he was instrumental in the success of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. |
CrestBlazonA galleon in full sail proper, flying from the main masthead a pennon, issuant from a circlet of maple leaves and fleurs-de-lis Or; SymbolismThe Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The galleon may allude to Mr. Duncan’s many travels, having lived in France, Great Britain, Canada, Germany and Bermuda. It might also allude to the ship in the arms of Paris, his birthplace. The fleur-de-lis refers to his country of birth, France, while the maple leaf symbolizes Canada, his country of adoption. |
MottoBlazonPROMPTUS SUSCIPE PROBUS EFFICE; SymbolismThis Latin phrase means “Be quick in taking up a task. Be honest in carrying it out.” |
Badge of James Stuart DuncanBlazonA sprig of three maple leaves between a shoot of two thistles leaved and a lily slipped and leaved proper all enfiling a chain Or; SymbolismThe Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The thistles, lily and maple leaves represent Scotland, France and Canada, respectively the country of his ancestors, his place of birth and his country of residence. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 27, 2021 in Volume 155, page 1320 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Not Available. PainterArtist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres CalligrapherNot applicable Recipient TypeIndividual Other InformationThe recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 30 October 1957. |