FIP Signature Incorporating the Coat of Arms

The Coat of Arms identifies ministers and their offices, parliamentary secretaries, institutions whose heads report directly to Parliament, as well as institutions with quasi-judicial functions. When identifying these persons or organizations, the Coat of Arms must be incorporated into a bilingual FIP signature that features the name of the position or institution the Coat of Arms represents. The Coat of Arms may also be used on its own for purposes other than identification — for example, as a design element on items such as certificates.

FIP signatures incorporating the Coat of Arms may be presented in two ways: in a symmetrical or an asymmetrical layout, as shown below. In both presentations, the text is most often set in medium-weight Helvetica (Helvetica Neue 65). On stationery, however, the text appears in light-weight Helvetica (Helvetica Neue 45). The Federal Identity Program Manual includes detailed design specifications for FIP signatures incorporating the Coat of Arms.

Use of the FIP signature incorporating the Coat of Arms on promotional items (e.g. pens, pins, T-shirts and mugs) is discretionary, since these items are not covered by FIP policy.

When considering using a FIP signature incorporating the Coat of Arms, contact the Communications and Marketing Branch for advice.

The design of the Coat of Arms is unique. Do not alter it in any way. Only reproduce it from the electronic artwork files available on this site or from Communications and Marketing Branch.

For appropriate uses of FIP signatures incorporating the Coat of Arms, see Procedures.

Language Variations

Always present FIP signatures incorporating the Coat of Arms in bilingual format. In the symmetrical layout, the English title of the position or institution appears on one side of the Coat of Arms and the French title on the other. In the asymmetrical layout, the bilingual title appears to the right of the Coat of Arms. Use the English-first or French-first variations of FIP signatures incorporating the Coat of Arms for English- or French-language publications or for bilingual publications, as appropriate.

Colour Applications

When used in the context of corporate identity, FIP signatures incorporating the Coat of Arms may only be presented in 100 percent black. Canadian Heritage has a colour version, but it is reserved for ceremonial uses.

Examples