Blason CA Judith LaRocque Herald Chancellor of Canada T-Shirt: Design Description
This t-shirt showcases the intricate and meaningful design of the coat of arms granted to Judith Anne LaRocque as Herald Chancellor of Canada, confirmed on December 15, 2010. The design is a powerful blend of personal heraldry and the symbols of her official role.
Shield Elements
The shield itself is divided vertically (per pale). On the dexter (left) side, we find a bold representation of Canada: a maple tree, eradicated (uprooted), rendered in gold against a red background (Gules). This signifies Canada's strength, endurance, and deep roots.
The sinister (right) side is more complex, split horizontally (per fess) with an "érablé" effect, a pattern that mimics maple leaves in alternating blue (Azure) and white (Argent) sections. The top half includes a silver (Argent) chess rook, a symbol of strategic thinking and leadership, importantly charged with a blue fleur-de-lys, representing the French heritage within Canada. The bottom half of this section features a blue mullet (star), a symbol of aspiration and guidance, charged with a silver thistle, a nod to Scottish heritage.
Crest and Motto
Above the shield, the crest features a demi-cat, half of a cat, rendered in silver. This cat emerges from a coronet, also with an érablé design, in gold. In its dexter paw, the cat holds the baton of office of the Herald Chancellor of the Canadian Heraldic Authority, indicating authority. The motto, "DARE QUAM ACCIPERE" ("It is better to give than to receive"), adds a further layer of meaning, representing generosity and service.
Supporters
The coat of arms is supported by two cats, flanking the shield, depicted in silver, standing on a compartment of natural rocks. Each cat wears a blue collar, from which hangs a lozenge (diamond shape). The lozenges are charged with a representation of the ceremonial maces of the House of Commons (dexter cat) and the Senate (sinister cat), rendered in gold. This detail emphasizes the authority within the Canadian Parliament.
In its entirety, this design is a rich tapestry of Canadian history, heritage, and the role of the Herald Chancellor, beautifully rendered in heraldic tradition.
