Heraldic badges of the Canadian government
The following table describes heraldic badges used by various departments and agencies within the Government of Canada, and it provides a brief description of each. In some cases, badges may not be displayed publicly due to limitations imposed by the Federal Identity Program.
Department/agency name | Heraldic badge | Summary of meaning |
Canada Border Services Agency | Approved in 2010, the badge portrays a gold tressure which symbolizes CBSA’s focus of protecting Canada’s security. The portcullis represents Her Majesty’s agents responsible for border services. The motto, Protectio, Servitium, Integritas, translates "Protection, Service, Integrity". | |
Canadian Forces | A combination of anchor, crossed swords, and eagle symbolizes the merger of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force. The badge was created in 1968. | |
Canadian Coast Guard | Blue symbolizes water, white represents ice. Dolphins are considered a friend of mariners. The badge is enclosed within a rope frame. The motto Saluti Primum, Auxilio Semper translates "Safety First, Service Always". A version similar to the current badge was first used in 1962. | |
Canadian Food Inspection Agency | align="center" | The motto, Fides Publica, Integritas, Scientia, means Protection, Integrity, Science. The motto represents the mandate of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, its values, and the scientific foundation on which its work is based. The simplified double helix represents life, biology and science. The compass rose represents the national scope of the Agency’s work and is a symbol for the leadership role the Agency plays. Green represents growth, plant life and agriculture and can also stand for safety. The contrasting red symbolizes the Agency’s role in preventing and mitigating food, plant and animal risks. The golden/yellow colour represents excellence and is also the colour of agriculture. The Royal Crown represents a connection with other government regulatory and enforcement entities and indicates that the CFIA’s work is carried out under the authority of the Crown. The badge was granted in March 2013. |
Canadian Hydrographic Service | align="center" | The anchor and blue background represent the CHS’s contribution to maritime safety. The current badge was approved in 2010; an :File:Canadian Hydrographic Service logo.jpg|earlier version of the badge was created in 1954. |
Canadian Security Intelligence Service | Use of blue and gold represents the agency’s origins with the RCMP. The palisade alludes to the defensive nature of the Service. The badge was created in 1984. | |
Canadian Space Agency | The Canadian Space Agency was granted a coat of arms in 1991. Included is the Agency's motto "AD FINEM ULTIMUM", meaning "To the ultimate end". | |
Communications Security Establishment | The badge was granted to CSE in 1994. Lightning represents communications, the key represents the secure and sensitive nature of the information CSE handles. The motto Nuntium Comparat et Custodit translates "Providing and Protecting Information". | |
Correctional Service of Canada | align="center" | A six-pointed star was originally used in the badge of the Canadian Penitentiary Service, CSC’s predecessor. The torch symbolizes learning, knowledge and hope. The key represents the eventual unlocking of the door following completion of a prison sentence. The motto Futura Recipere means "to grasp the future". The badge was approved in 2009. |
Department of Fisheries and Oceans | align="center" | The eight maple leaves represent the department’s previous eight management regions. The badge was approved in 2008. |
Parks Canada Agency | align="center" | The badge was granted in 2017. The beaver is an emblem of Parks Canada, while green is the agency's colour. The Royal Crown symbolizes the role of park wardens in protecting Canada's national parks on behalf of the Crown. |
Parole Board of Canada | align="center" | The Parole Board of Canada was granted a badge in 2014. Symbolism represents transition as well as public safety. The Board's motto Protectio Transparentia Reintegratio translates as "protection transparency reintegration". |
Royal Canadian Mounted Police | align="center" | The bison head illustrates the close association of the RCMP with the prairie grassland. The motto Maintiens le droit translates "Defending the law". The current version of the badge dates from 1954. |