PBC Coat of Arms and Heraldic Badge (Armorial Bearings)
In , the Chief Herald of Canada approved the Parole Board of Canada (PBC)'s request for a grant of armorial bearings (coat of arms and heraldic badge). On , the Board was presented with the official grant of armorial bearings by the Canadian Heraldic Authority, marking an historic moment for the Board.
The Canadian Heraldic Authority designed the PBC's coat of arms and heraldic badge in close consultation with the PBC. The coat of arms and heraldic badge reflect the Board's mission, mandate and values
The grant of the PBC's armorial bearings is a way of formally recognizing the Board, its rich history, and its valuable contributions as part of the Canadian criminal justice system. The completed grant is recorded in the Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada.
The PBC Coat of Arms
The Coat of Arms is reserved for occasions of high significance, and is generally associated with the Chairperson's Office.
Crest:
The crest features a majestic owl clutching a scroll, perched atop a helmet draped with cloth mantling, set by a wreath. The owl is a symbol of wisdom, which combined with its keen eyesight, embodies the Board's decision-making role. The scroll represents the laws that direct the Board in the execution of its mandate.
Supporters:
Two supporters appear on either side of the shield. On the left is a hawk, with one leg holding an upright sword in a sheath with decorative elements. The hawk, which symbolizes strength and watchfulness, represents the Board's important role in the protection of society. On the right side is a phoenix, rising from flames, a traditional symbol of rebirth and transformation. It represents the Board's role in facilitating the reintegration of the offender back into society as a law abiding citizen. The hawk and phoenix stand on a base of rock, which symbolizes the Board's integrity and steadfastness in the pursuit of its mandate.
Shield:
The shield is divided vertically into two sections, blue on the left and yellow (gold) on the right. On it is a bridge extending to the edges of the shield, with a tower at its centre, in contrasting yellow (gold) and blue. The tower in the middle of the bridge represents the Board's "gatekeeper" role (protection of society). The bridge represents the notion of parole as a "bridge" back into society (reintegration).
Motto:
The PBC motto, "Protectio, transparentia, reintegratio", meaning "Protection, transparency and reintegration" is placed at the base of the coat of arms. It represents the Board's mandate (protection of society and reintegration of offenders) and one of the core values which guide it in the delivery of its mandate - transparency.
The PBC Heraldic Badge
The Parole Board of Canada's heraldic badge emphasizes the Board's mandate of public safety and reintegration.
It displays the same visual features as the arms, except that the Royal Crown is mounted atop the badge as per heraldic custom.
A gold tressure, with maple leaves, surrounds the shield at its centre. The maple leaves represent the Board's national office and five regions.
The tower bridge at the centre of the shield symbolizes the Board's public safety mandate, and emphasizes its role of protecting society while facilitating the reintegration of offenders.
The shield is encircled by the Board's motto: "Protectio, transparentia, reintegratio".