A historic occasion occurred this afternoon at Province House. Premier Pat Binns was joined by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada and His Honour J. Léonce Bernard, the Lieutenant Governor, in unveiling Prince Edward Island's full achievement of Arms.
One of Prince Edward Island's most easily recognized symbols of identity and authority is its Coat of Arms. The Coat of Arms is a shield featuring the English heraldic lion above a large oak tree and three small oak saplings on a green island. These Arms were granted to the province by royal warrant of King Edward VII in 1905.
From time to time, it has been suggested that Prince Edward Island join many of its sister provinces in seeking augmentation of Coat of Arms. A Full Achievement of Arms reflects a province's co-sovereign status in the Canadian federation and is an honour granted by the Sovereign through Her Majesty's representative in Canada, the Governor General.
The Office of the Chief Herald of Canada recently completed Prince Edward Island's augmented Arms. The design was originated by Mr. David Webber of Charlottetown and incorporates and enhances the current Coat of Arms, while reflecting significant characteristics of Prince Edward Island, its people, its natural resources and its history.
Description:
Prince Edward Island's full achievement of Arms incorporates the Coat of Arms originally granted by King Edward VII in 1905. A golden helmet representing the province's co-sovereign status in confederation sits above the Shield, with mantling and wreath in the official colours of Canada. Atop the wreath, a blue jay holds a leaf of the red oak and wears the Royal Crown. Silver foxes, reflecting Islanders' industry and ingenuity, serve as supporters, while their decorations – a garland of potato blossoms and a length of net – represent agriculture and the fishery. The Mi'kmaq star is centred at the base of the Shield, surrounded by floral references to early European settlers and flanked by Lady's Slippers. The province's motto Parva sub Ingenti (the small under the protection of the great) completes the design.
See the Augmented Coat of Arms at www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/onelisting.php3?number=1518