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

Federal Identity Program

The Federal Identity Program is the Canadian government's corporate identity program. The purpose of the FIP is to clearly identify each program and service of the government or the government of Canada in general. Managed by the Treasury Board Secretariat, this program, and the government's...

, which states that “symbols other than the government’s corporate symbols are not permitted on standard applications of FIP”.http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=12314§ion=text#sec5.2

Department/Agency Name	Heraldic Badge	Summary of Meaning
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)		A gold tressure 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..
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”..
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..
Communications Security Establishment (CSE)		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”..
Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) – Fisheries Management		The eight maple leaves represent the department’s eight management regions..
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”..