Coat of Arms
THE CANADIAN FOREIGN SERVICE COAT OF ARMS
On February 11, 2025, the Chief Herald of the Canadian Heraldic Authority proclaimed the artwork for a Coat of Arms and two Badges, as well as a motto for the Canadian Foreign Service, Foris Canadae Prodesse, or In the Service of Canada Abroad. We are proud to join the ranks of other distinguished organizations within Canada’s public service who have emblems symbolizing their ranks and service.
The request for a Coat of Arms was an initiative of AmbCanada with strong support from the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) and the Beechwood Foundation. We are very grateful to a number of members who privately donated the majority of the funds needed to complete this initiative.
The AmbCanada Board has designated Ian Burchett as the first Custodian of the Coat of Arms. He will approve how individuals may wish to use our Crest and Badges. In particular, the crest will be an important design that members of Canada’s foreign service may choose to use on personal monuments at Beechwood Cemetery and elsewhere. All requests for personal use of the Coat of Arms or the Badges should be directed to him via info@ambcanada.ca.
THE COAT OF ARMS
The shield at the heart of our Coat of Arms features red and white, Canada’s national colours, while blue symbolizes loyalty. In heraldic terms, these colours also reflect the traditional and modern ways Canadian diplomats travel: by land (red), by sea (blue), and now also by air and virtually (white).
The curved line above the stylized maple leaves suggests the curvature of the globe, while the leaves themselves represent Canada’s extensive global presence through its foreign missions. The interwoven chequerboard pattern symbolizes communication—central to all diplomatic work—and alludes to the strategy and intricacy inherent in diplomacy. The dove, a universal symbol of peace, underscores the ultimate goal of diplomacy and echoes Canada’s own national motto: Peace, Order and Good Government.
Flanking the shield are two mythical hippogriffs, creatures that combine the keen vision of an eagle with the strength and speed of a horse, symbolizing freedom. Said to fly as far as the moon, protect their rider, and see across great distances, the hippogriffs represent our diplomats, who travel far, think with resolve, and advance Canadian interests. Each holds a caduceus, the wand of the Greek god Hermes, symbolizing the traveller, the messenger, and the bringer of peace.
Each hippogriff also bears a unique shoulder badge. The left badge depicts an astrolabe, once used by explorers like Samuel de Champlain, epitomizing how diplomats navigate international relationships. The right badge features a roundtable, representing dialogue and collaboration between people from different parts of the world. The surrounding rectangles refer to key diplomatic documents—letters of credence, treaties, briefing notes, and official communications.
Crowning the Coat of Arms is a bridge inspired by the historic Minto Bridges near Global Affairs Canada’s headquarters at 111 and 125 Sussex Drive. It symbolizes the connections Canadian diplomats work to build between Canada and the world.
THE BADGES
Our two similarly designed badges appear on the shoulders of the hippogriffs. Each features a maple leaf crown, symbolizing service to Canada, while the crown’s wings evoke the winged hat and sandals of Hermes, the mythical messenger and traveller.
HISTORY
In 2021, a group of dedicated AmbCanada members came together to fund a unique initiative: the creation of a Coat of Arms for the Canadian Foreign Service. We are grateful to Bob Peck, Elizabeth Heatherington, and Ian Burchett for their leadership, and to the Beechwood Foundation, a key partner from the outset. With this support in place, AmbCanada formally submitted an application to the Canadian Heraldic Authority, the body within the Governor General’s Office responsible for granting Coats of Arms in Canada.
After three years of extensive collaboration with the Miramichi Herald and her design team, the PAFSO executive, the AmbCanada Board of Directors, and donors, a final design was achieved that blends traditional heraldic elements with modern motifs. It reflects both the professionalism of Canada’s Foreign Service and the broad scope of our work abroad: diplomacy, trade and investment, immigration, development, and consular services.