The Federal Court's Coat of Arms

Shield: The structure and colour of the shield symbolize the robes of Federal Court judges, black with gold panels. The scrolls, at the centre of the shield, symbolize important documents of the law, including the Constitution, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, treaties with aboriginal peoples, statutes, international instruments, and jurisprudence. These and other recognized sources of law come together, shown here by the use of the cord, in the written decisions of the Court.

Crest: The scales are an ancient symbol for justice, indicating the careful weighing of evidence before decisions are taken. Its maple leaf emphasizes that the Federal Court is a national institution. The crown of maple leaves and fleurs-de-lis provides a symbol of the civil code and the common law.

Motto: The motto "Droit, Equity, Admiralty" derives from the Court's statutory mandate and emphasizes the Court's bilingual nature. The Federal Courts Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-7 (s. 4) describes the Federal Court as a court of €œlaw, equity and admiralty. The positioning of DROIT in the centre of the scroll suggests the supremacy of the rule of law.

Supporters: The chequerboard pattern is symbolic of the Court's predecessor, the Exchequer Court of Canada. The winged sea caribou is a mythic creature representing the Court's involvement with issues on the land, in the sea and other waters, and in the air. The three constituent creatures, the caribou, the raven and the salmon are found in many parts of Canada. The male and female supporters represent the equality of the sexes, as well as the fact that the Federal Court is comprised of both male and female judicial officers. The wavy band of gold at the base represents the waters of the three oceans bordering Canada, reflecting the fact that the Court functions in all parts of Canada.

As granted by Claire Boudreau, Chief Herald of Canada, on December 10, 2007 and entered in volume V, page 191 of the Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada.

Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, and Claire Boudreau, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic authority.

Painter: Eva Pilar-Cass

Calligrapher: Doris Wionzek