Applying for Armorial Bearings
Grants of armorial bearings are honours stemming from the Canadian Crown. They provide recognition for contributions made by Canadian individuals and corporate bodies in Canada and elsewhere.
All Canadian citizens or corporate bodies (municipalities, schools, societies, associations, institutions, etc.) may petition to receive a grant of armorial bearings.
Three categories of armorial bearings can be requested: coats of arms, flags and badges. A coat of arms is centred on a shield and may be displayed with a helmet, mantling, a crest and a motto (see explanation of terminology, p. 4). A grant of supporters is limited to corporate bodies and to some individuals in specific categories.
