Heraldic Badges of the Canadian Government
The following table depicts heraldic badges used by various departments and agencies within the Canadian Government, and provides a brief description of each. In some cases, the badges are no longer displayed publicly due to limitations imposed by the Federal Identity Program, which states that “symbols other than the government’s corporate symbols are not permitted on standard applications of FIP”.[1]
| Department/Agency Name | Heraldic Badge | Summary of Meaning |
| Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) | 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”.[1] | |
| 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.[2]. | |
| Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) | 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.[3]. | |
| Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) | The anchor and blue background represent the CHS’s contribution to maritime safety. The current badge was approved in 2010; an [earlier version] of the badge was created in 1954. [4]. | |
| Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) | 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.[5]. | |
| Communications Security Establishment (CSE) | 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 (CSC) | 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.[6]. | |
| Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) – Fisheries Management | The eight maple leaves represent the department’s previous eight management regions. The badge was approved in 2008. [7]. | |
| Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) | 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.[8]. |
