This symbol of the armorial bearings of The Honourable Dr. Gordon Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, was presented by the Governor General during a ceremony in May, 2008.

The green and gold are the colours of the province and the University of Saskatchewan, from which His Honour was awarded his PhD, and where he was University Secretary.  The book indicates His Honour’s work as an educator and as a published author.  The spokes and ring make two references:  first, to bicycle wheels, a reference to His Honour’s love of cycling (and, more generally, to the ideas of movement and health); and second, to the rotunda window below the dome of the Saskatchewan Legislature.

The use of the dome of the Saskatchewan Legislature not only marks His Honour’s position as Lieutenant Governor, it also pays tribute to his service as Clerk of the Legislative Assembly from 1969 – 1989.  His Honour has also written a photo history of the building.

The harts (a type of deer) are a reference to the name Barnhart.  The orchid, gerbera daisy, and roses (around the necks of the harts), represent Their Honours’ three children.  The beaver dam is a feature of Saltcoats, Saskatchewan where Their Honours maintain a home.  The tartan is that of Saltcoats.