In December 2008, the Chief Herald of Canada approved a request
from the CBSA for a grant of armorial bearings. A year and a
half later the CBSA is receiving its official coat of arms and
heraldic badge. Throughout the long history of CBSA legacy
organizations (customs, immigration and food/plant/animal
inspection) none has been recognized with its own heraldic
bearings. The CHA designed the CBSA's coat of arms and heraldic
badge based on extensive research into the Agency's history and
mission, mandate and values. The development of the armorial
bearings is a way to formally recognize the CBSA, its legacy and
the valuable contributions it makes to the protection and
prosperity of Canada and its citizens. The new coat of arms and
heraldic badge commemorate the CBSA's rich history as one of
Canada's first public service agencies. The coat of arms is
reserved for occasions of high significance and is generally to
be associated with the President's Office. The meaning behind
the elements of the coat of arms is: