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 Rideau Hall, seat of the CHA | |
| Abbreviation | CHA |
|---|---|
| Formation | June 4, 1988 |
| Type | Heraldic authority |
| Purpose | Administration of Canadian heraldic honours |
| Headquarters | Rideau Hall, Ottawa, Ontario |
Area served | Canada |
Official language | English, French |
| Samy Khalid | |
| Website | gg.ca/canadian-heraldic-authority |
The Canadian Heraldic Authority (CHA; French: Autorité héraldique du Canada) is part of the Canadian honours system under the Canadian monarch, whose authority is exercised by the Governor General of Canada. The authority is responsible for the creation and granting of new coats of arms (armorial bearings), flags, and badges for Canadian citizens, government agencies, municipal, civic and other corporate bodies. The authority also registers existing armorial bearings granted by other recognized heraldic authorities, approves military badges, flags, and other insignia of the Canadian Forces, and provides information on heraldic practices. It is well known for its innovative designs, many incorporating First Nations symbolism.[citation needed]
The CHA is the Canadian counterpart of the College of Arms in London, the Court of the Lord Lyon in Scotland, the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland in the Republic of Ireland, and U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry for federal agencies of the United States.