Armorial bearings presented to CBSA by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

TORONTO, July 6 /CNW Telbec/ - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II attended the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) presentation of new armorial bearings today as the final official act of her Canadian tour. The armorial bearings, which consist of a coat of arms and heraldic badge, were received by the President of the CBSA, Stephen Rigby. The Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, and the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper were also present.

"I am proud to see the efforts of the CBSA honoured in such a prestigious manner," said the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety. "The Agency's contributions to public safety are significant and these symbols remind employees that what they do every day matters to Canadians and our country."

The Canadian Heraldic Authority developed armorial bearings for the CBSA to commemorate the Agency's rich history and continued dedication to the safety and prosperity of Canada. The new coat of arms and heraldic badge include the CBSA's motto, 'Protection Service Integrity', defining characteristics of the Agency's work.

The Canadian tour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II coincided with the completion of the CBSA's armorial bearings, making it possible for Her Majesty to attend the presentation.

"This is a proud and historic moment for the CBSA," said President Rigby. "It gives us an opportunity to pay tribute to the men and women of our Agency, to celebrate our past and embrace our future."

Continuing a 200-year legacy of customs and border management, the CBSA ensures the security and prosperity of Canada by managing the access of people and goods to and from Canada. The CBSA operates at approximately 1,200 points across Canada and at 39 international locations. While administering over 90 Acts and Regulations, CBSA border services officers process over 248,000 travellers and collect $11 million in import duties daily. The CBSA helps keep communities safe by making approximately 11,000 drug seizures and 1,000 prohibited weapons seizures each year.

For more information on the Canada Border Services Agency or for more information on the armorial bearings presented today, please visit, http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/.

For information about heraldry, visit http://www.gg.ca/.

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information: Media Relations, Canada Border Services Agency, 613-957-6500