The Herald Chancellor is responsible for the administration of the entire vice-regal office.

The position of Deputy Herald Chancellor (French: Vice-chancelier d'armes)) is held by the Deputy Secretary to the Governor General, who is also the head of the Chancellery of Honours, responsible for the administration of the Canadian honours system.

The red shield features a gold maple tree with its roots visible.

The maple tree represents the predominant species on the grounds of Rideau Hall, where the Canadian Heraldic Authority (CHA) is headquartered.

The batons of office are red and gold, and they are decorated with shields of the arms of the CHA.