Heraldry is a celebration, based on ancient symbols, of the sense people have of themselves, personally and in groups. The tradition of using distinguished marks goes back more than eight centuries, when nobles decorated the shields they used in jousting matches.

Heraldry has been broadly practiced to signify not just the individual, but societies and even nations. In Canada today, coats of arms, flags, badges and other heraldic devices are expressions of authority, ownership and identity—powerful symbols of our rich history, geography, character and aspirations.

On June 4th, 1998, by Royal Letters Patent, Her Majesty transferred the exercise of her right to grant heraldic arms to the Governor General of Canada. Since that time, the Canadian Crown has granted many Canadian communities and individuals. Because arms are defined in law as a grant of honour from the Crown, the eligibility of individuals seeking arms is assessed in relation to their contribution to the country.

“Armigerous” is defined as the right to bear heraldic arms. Many members of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem have petitioned for armigerous status and have been granted arms. When Knights or Dames of the Order become armigerous, they may be reclassified from a Knight or Dame of Grace to a Knight or Dame of Justice. The difference is one of distinction only, and must not be interpreted as a different grade in the Order. In the Roll of the Order, Knights and Dames of Justice are denoted.