Canada 2008

[press release]
Canada Post issues Braille stamp in 2008, a North American first

North American’s first stamp incorporating Braille will highlight Canada Post’s 2008 Stamp Program, along with two stamps celebrating the 100th anniversary of the publication of Anne of Green Gables and the last installment of the Lunar New Year Series.

For the first time in North America, Canada Post will issue a stamp featuring Braille in celebration of Guide Dogs in Canada. This significant and innovative product will be issued along with a Commemorative Envelope marking the 100th anniversary of the Montreal Association for the Blind. June 2008 will see Canada Post issue two stamps celebrating the 100th anniversary of the publication of Anne of Green Gables. Canadians can complete their Lunar New Year series with the 12th issue, the last in this series, in honour of the Year of the Rat.

The 2008 Art Canada series will feature three works by accomplished Canadian portrait photographer Yousuf Karsh, while spring will be in full bloom with two stamps featuring Peonies. The ever-popular stamp that encourages Canadians to mark special days through the mail will continue for a third consecutive year with a new Celebration stamp.

In recognition of major international events, Canada Post will issue stamps to highlight Canada’s role as host of the 2008 World Hockey Championships. The fifth and final stamp in a series to honour the founding of New France, culminates with a joint stamp issue with France celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Founding of Quebec City. Canada Post will also issue a stamp to mark the 12th Francophone Summit, taking place in Quebec City.

Six Canadian milestones will be highlighted in 2008 beginning with four centennial anniversaries; the Royal Canadian Mint, the Canadian Nurses Association, Anne of Green Gables and the Lifesaving Society. The remaining milestones are marked by stamps depicting British Columbia’s 150th anniversary and the Fraser River Gold Rush, the 50th anniversary of the completion of the TransCanada Pipeline and Canada’s First Commercial Oil Well, located in Oil Springs, Ontario. A stamp honouring Sam McLaughlin; founder of McLaughlin Carriage Company, which eventually became General Motors of Canada, will also be issued.

Just in time for October’s Stamp Collecting month, the 2008 Endangered Species series will end with the third issue focusing on creatures of the air and sky: the Prothonotary Warbler, Taylor’s Checkerspot, Roseate Tern and the Burrowing Owl.

On the educational front, the University of Alberta and the University of British Columbia will be recognized on their 100th anniversaries.

The arrival of winter will be marked with Snow Activities stamps. The domestic, U.S., and international rate stamps for the 2008 Christmas season will feature Snow Angels, Skating and Skiing. Another single domestic rate stamp will depict a spiritual theme. A Commemorative Envelope will also be issued to mark the 100th anniversary of the Christmas Seals.

Updated images adorning the domestic rate Permanent™ stamp will continue to honour The Queen, Orchids and five stamps featuring the Canadian flags over lighthouses. Orchids will be featured on a new U.S., international and domestic oversized rate stamp.

“Canadian stamps evoke a sense of pride recognizing historical milestones, accomplishments, traditions and people” said Bob Waite, Chairman of the Stamp Advisory Committee. “Stamps depict the vast country in which we live. Whether you’re a novice or veteran stamp collector, stamps are exciting collections.” Canada Post receives and reviews hundreds of stamp suggestions every year. The Stamp Advisory Committee, a group of Canadians with expertise in Canadian culture, history and philately, examine all suggestions and make recommendations to Canada Post and the program is then approved by Canada Post’s Board of Directors.

Further details of the 2008 Stamp Program, along with any changes or additions to the program, will be available in separate announcements for each issue. A chronological calendar listing of the 2008 Stamp Program is listed below. Additional information about Canadian stamps can be found in the Newsroom section of Canada Post’s website (www.canadapost.ca).

Here's a month-by-month rundown:

January: Definitives (Queen, Flower, Flag)