Understanding the Grant of Arms Process

Through the Canadian Heraldic Authority

 Reading about how the process went for someone else can help you to understand and make informed decisions for yourself. The hope is that this page will help you to see, through my own journey, how much fun petitioning for a grant of armorial bearings can be. Here are the steps involved from start to finish.

Step 1

In April 2016 I decided it was time for me to petition the Canadian Heraldic Authority for a grant of armorial bearings. I had done research and had a concept of what I wanted my Arms [the shield] to look like. (Having a concept already developed is not necessary, as the Heralds of Arms will help with this) Being well versed in the rules of arms, I wanted to come to the table with my own design. The direction on the Canadian Heraldic Authorities web page outlines the documentation that need to be submitted with the application form, and a nicely worded letter to the Chief Heraldry of Canada requesting that arms be granted to me.

Approximately a month later, a letter arrived from Mrs. Kelly Massey, Acting Miramichi Herald announcing that the Deputy Heraldic Chancellor had signed a warrant authorizing the Chief Herald of Canada to proceed with a grant of armorial bearings, and that I was required to submit the necessary petitioning fee in order for the design stage to begin.

Step 2

Over the next few months, I worked with Mr. Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, and Mrs. Manon Lebelle, Miramichi Herald on the concepts and design for the various elements of my armorial bearings that were to be granted. As noted above, I had come to the table with a concept of my arms [shield] which was well received by the Heralds (with one design change to the edges of the ermine cross). But there was still the design of the Crest, Motto, and Badge which had to be developed and crafted. This process was a back and forth between me and the Heralds on ideas, designs, meanings, and colours until we came up with something that we were all happy with.

It was now August! The Blazon of the armorial bearings had been decided. At this point, it was just text and no visual images have been created, except for a few cocktail napkin sketches. A letter arrived from the Authority with the contract for the heraldic artist who would be painting the armorial bearings, as well as the official description and symbolism, which both needed to be signed.

Step 3

It was shortly after returning the preliminary artwork contract that I found out that Mr. Robert Gray was assigned as the artist to do the painting of my Letters Patent. This news was great, as I am quite fond of Robert’s heraldic artwork, and he has been responsible for a number of friends’ Letters Patents. In October, the excitement had come to a head when the preliminary artwork arrived in both a black/white drawing as well as a coloured version. The artist’s invoice for the artwork (which needed to be paid to the artist directly) was also included. Some approval signatures on the designs were required and again mailed back to the authority. I should note that there were a few slight changes that I requested upon seeing the preliminary art, and after a conversation with the Herald, they were happy to make those changes.

Step 4

One month later (November), new contracts were being signed. It was also at this time that I had decided that I wanted to invest in the one-page Letters Patent document. There was going to be some added expense in this, as the document was going to be all hand-painted with the addition of hand calligraphy text. I look at this decision in the context that it was a special document, and I would only have the opportunity to do this once in my life. Again, the documents were signed and returned. We were nearing the end!

In February I was informed that the artwork for my armorial bearings and the header of the Letters Patent was now completed by Mr. Robert Grey, and an invoice needed to be promptly paid. The document was also now on its way for the calligraphy to be added in both English and French. Mr. Luc Saucier had been assigned as the calligrapher of this great document.

Further, in April, more correspondence from Mrs. Manon Lebelle, Miramich Herald informed that the calligraphy was complete. They were very pleased with how the Letters Patent had turned out, and an invoice for the calligraphy needed to be paid.

There were a few more details that needed to be attended to administratively. Signatures of the Chief Herald of Canada, Heraldic Chancellor, and Deputy Heraldic Chancellor needed to be penned to this document, and the embossed seal of the Canadian Heraldic Authority would finalize the Letters Patent making it official and ready for presentation.

Step 5

On June 12, 2017, it was exactly one year, one month, and nineteen days since I penned my letter to the Chief Herald of Canada requesting to be granted armorial bearings. Arrangements were made by the Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, for me to pick up my Letters Patent in Ottawa. A small group of family and friends were invited to the Chancellery of Honours for a reception and the unveiling of my Letters Patent. In a ceremony hosted by Dr. Claire Boudreau, Chief Herald of Canada my armorial bearings were officially proclaimed, and I can say that they were more impressive looking than I could have ever imagined. Following the ceremony, a few more documents needed to be signed, my Letters Patent were carefully wrapped up for transport home, and I was provided with some additional documents including the Registration of my Arms, digital copies of the artwork, and the official proclamation that was made.