The County of Bruce

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.

Walkerton, Ontario
Registration of Arms
October 20, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 215

Arms of The County of Bruce
Arms of The County of Bruce
 
Arms of The County of Bruce

Arms of The County of Bruce

Blazon

Or a sprig of three maple leaves Vert surmounted by a saltire Gules, on a chief Argent dexter a lion rampant Azure sinister a cross dimidiated at the palar line Gules;

The Arms are ensigned by a coronet of eight points Vert alternating with garbs, its rim charged with eight maple leaves bendwise Or;

Symbolism

This design merges the arms of Ontario with those of the county’s namesake, James Bruce, Earl of Elgin, Governor General of the Province of Canada. Lord Elgin’s arms were gold with a red saltire and a blue lion, while the sprig of maple and the red cross are from the provincial arms.

The coronet of points and garbs of wheat was used in Scottish heraldry to denote a county, with maple leaves as a Canadian reference.

Motto

Blazon

IN DEO IMPERIUM SED POPULUS ADMINISTRAT;

Symbolism

This Latin phrase is commonly translated as “Administration by the people, but under the authority of God.”
 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

Since 2023, grants, registrations and approvals of heraldic emblems are no longer announced in the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent registering the heraldic emblems of The County of Bruce

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Sir Thomas Innes of Learney, Lord Lyon King of Arms.

Painter

Not applicable

Calligrapher

Not applicable

Recipient Type

Civil Institution

Other Information

The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded in the records of the Court of the Lord Lyon, Edinburgh, Scotland, 12 January 1965.