The Arms of His Excellency
the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc

Coat of Arms



Symbolism of the Arms of His Excellency
the Right Honourable RomÈo LeBlanc

Shield - White, one of Canada's national colours, is represented on the shield. It recalls Mr. LeBlanc's family name which is one of the most prevalent in Acadia. Canada's other national colour, red, appears on the "V" or "pile" as it is known in heraldry. It refers to the Valley of the Memramcook, His Excellency's native region in New Brunswick and site of his birth place, L'Anse-aux-Cormier. At the centre is the star of Acadia, symbol of the Acadia people since 1884, honouring His Excellency's Acadia roots. The Royal Crown refers to his appointment as the 25th Governor General since Confederation. The shield is encircled with the motto of the Order of Canada and beneath it is suspended the insignia of a Companion of the Order.

Crest - The four eagle feathers encircled by a band of Micmac quill decoration honour the First people of Canada and their artisty and cultures. The eagle feathers, a symbol of peace for many of the First Peoples, also represent Mr. and Mrs. LeBlanc's four children. The use of feathers also alludes to traditional heraldic emblems associated with Her Excellency's family.

Supporters - The dolphin supporters recall Mr. LeBlanc's original ancestor who settled in Acadia in about 1650 on the Rivere Dauphin (now the Annapolis River). They also celebrate His Excellency's maritime heritage in Atlantic Canada and his service as federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. Composed of fleurs-de-lys and maple leaves, the dolphins' collars represent Mr. LeBlanc's service to Canada, his Acadian roots and the various Frence language communities of the country. The steam locomotive wheel on the medallion on the left dolphin honours His Excellency's father's service on Canadian railways and, more widely, the pivotal role of such transport in our national history. On the right is a book, recalling Mr. LeBlanc's career as a teacher and celebrating the vital role of learning in personal and national development. The two dolphin supporters stand on a compartment symbolizing Canada from sea to sea, and the multi-ethnic character of the Canadian people. The central portion also recalls the Micmac origin of the word Memramcook, meaning multi-coloured landscape.

Motto - SEMPER AMISSOS MEMINISSE DECET

The Latin motto invites us always to remember those that society tends to forget.

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