Ottawa, Ontario, Thursday, March 21, 2013

Thank you for your warm welcome. I am pleased to be here to present this wonderful new heraldic emblem to you, the employees of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

How appropriate that we gather in the food court at your headquarters in Ottawa—without a doubt a safe and well-inspected place to eat!

One of my great responsibilities as governor general is to serve as head of the Canadian Heraldic Authority, which has as its motto the Latin Honorentur Patriam Honorantes, meaning “Let those who honour their country be honoured.”

In Canada, grants of armorial bearings recognize the contributions made by the recipient to the community—or in the case of the CFIA, to the entire country.

This is a truly national institution, serving all regions of Canada, and it is difficult to overstate the importance of your work to ensure the safety of our food supply and of the plants and animals upon which we depend.

In fact, your vigilance in enforcing regulations, conducting inspections and preventing the spread of diseases and pests is so essential to our health, our environment and our economy that it can be easy to make the mistake of taking it for granted. 

That is why it is such an honour to present this agency with this emblem, which so effectively captures and celebrates your mission.

As Deputy Chief Herald of Canada Bruce Patterson has explained, the fundamental importance of the CFIA’s work is reflected in the design of the emblem itself.

Let me also point out the Royal Crown at the top of the badge, personally authorized by Her Majesty The Queen to represent your mission carried out under the authority of the Canadian Crown.

This heraldic emblem is at once symbolic and highly practical. Henceforth, it will help to identify CFIA inspectors as you carry out your important work across the country, distinguishing your presence from that of other enforcement agencies.    

The process leading to the creation of this emblem has been a very involved one, and I would like to thank all who contributed ideas and energy to this project.

I also offer my congratulations to the employees of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on the occasion of your 15th anniversary, which you are marking this year.

On behalf of all Canadians, thank you for your essential public service.