By Danforth Guy
Photographs by the author (click on them for larger versions)

Click here for news on the 2025 Hanukkah stamp design.

For the first time, an actual menorah was featured on a Hanukkah stamp from Canada Post in 2024. It was also the first time the Hebrew word for Hanukkah has appeared on a Canadian stamp.

The 19th century item comes from the Aron Museum of Jewish ceremonial art, held at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Shalom in Westmount, Quebec, on the island of Montreal.

A day before the postal strike, the stamp was issued there on November 14. The next day, the temple hosted a stamp presentation, but, as it was Friday evening, they were also holding services. It was felt a fuller celebration of the honour would be fitting, so they organized a reception and presentation in December featuring nine historic menorahs, including the one on the stamp. Each was discussed during a lecture.

It was a rare chance to see (and even handle) the menorahs outside their display cases. The one on the stamp is striking for its peacock, theatrical curtains, and crown. Its nine white candles were digitally colorized for the issue. The menorahs were displayed in the front of the Ark.Note the Official FDC on display with the menorah. According to the Canada Post press release, “originally created in Poland, the silver-plated object is believed to have been rescued from a burning synagogue in Germany in November 1938 – around the time when widespread violence erupted in Nazi-occupied territories.”

Canada issued its first Hanukkah stamp in 2017 and has issued one every year since 2019.

Danforth also reports:

A source at the Aron Museum of Jewish ceremonial art says Canada Post has selected a second menorah from the museum’s collection for the next Hanukkah stamp (2025). The early 20th century hanukiyah comes from mainland Europe and is made of brass. It was photographed at the museum in Westmount, Quebec, at the same time as the one pictured on the 2024 issue — part of a move to feature actual menorahs rather than the graphic ones created for previous Hanukkah issues.

The postal service has not announced any stamps for 2025. Even when it does, it likely won’t confirm the identity of the menorah until much later in the year.

Scott Publishing has assigned this the following catalogue numbers:
3472 Marie-Claire Blais
3473 Jean Marc Dalpé
3474 Dany Laferrière
3475 Antonine Mallet
3476 Marguerite-A. Primeau

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New stamps pay tribute to five important French-Canadian authors
Through their novels, plays, poetry and essays, these writers inspire and enlighten readers throughout Canada and around the world.

OTTAWA –Canada Post has issued new stamps honouring five gifted authors, each of whom brings a unique perspective to the canon of French-Canadian literature.

Through their work, they offer unique observations of humanity’s flaws and aspirations, interpreting the world around them with honesty and compassion. Recognized throughout la Francophonie for their talents and accomplishments, and recipients of national and international accolades, these distinguished writers have brought French-Canadian literature to the world stage.

Canada Post has a long tradition of celebrating Canadian cultural achievement and has featured numerous English- and French-speaking authors on stamps. This issue is a celebration of contemporary French-Canadian writing, emphasizing authors from francophone communities across the country.

Marie-Claire Blais (1939-2021)
Born and raised in the working-class Québec neighbourhood of Limoilou, Blais wrote her first novel, La belle bête, before turning 20. With raw language – new to Quebec writing at the time – the book became an instant Quebec classic. Blais’ novels, plays, scripts and poems, known for their lyricism and complexity, depict a harsh world that can also be full of tenderness and compassion. During a prolific career, she received numerous awards, including four Governor General’s Literary Awards.

Jean Marc Dalpé (b. 1957)
Playwright, actor, poet, novelist and translator, Dalpé is a leading figure in the Franco-Ontarian cultural movement. Cofounder of Théâtre de la Vieille 17, which is dedicated to developing French-language theatre in Ontario, Dalpé’s writing explores the alienation of minorities. He taught at the National Theatre School of Canada and is the recipient of three Governor General’s Literary Awards.

Dany Laferrière (b. 1953)
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Laferrière fled to Montréal in 1976 to escape dictatorship. His unique depiction of everyday life paints a vivid picture of the human condition, and his autobiographical and poetic novels have established him as a major chronicler of his time. He became the first Haitian, and the first Canadian, elected to the Académie française, and his internationally translated works have won numerous honours, including a Governor General’s Literary Award.

Antonine Maillet (b. 1929)
Renowned for her passion for Acadian identity, language and customs, Maillet writes in Acadian French. Her 1979 novel Pélagie-la-Charrette, about Acadians’ return home after being deported by the British in 1755, won France’s prestigious Prix Goncourt. Maillet was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1976 and promoted to Companion in 1981.

Marguerite-A. Primeau (1914-2011)
Born in Saint-Paul-des-Métis (now St. Paul), Alberta, Primeau was a pioneer in western Canadian French literature. Socially conscious and independent, she wrote in her mother tongue about the realities of francophone life in her region. With a focus on the marginalized and those left behind, she paints a dynamic and diverse francophone community and invites readers to embrace an inclusive perspective.

About the stamps
Designed by Stéphane Huot, the stamps feature illustrations by Martin Côté based on photographs of each author. Printed by Lowe-Martin, the issue includes a booklet of 10 Permanent™ stamps and five Official First Day Covers – one for each author. (see below)

The stamps and collectibles will be available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across the country once Canada Post’s operations resume.

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
De nouveaux timbres célèbrent cinq icônes de la littérature franco canadienne
Grâce à leurs romans, pièces de théâtre, poèmes et essais, ces grands noms inspirent et éclairent les gens au Canada et ailleurs dans le monde.

OTTAWA – Postes Canada a émis aujourd’hui de nouveaux timbres célébrant cinq plumes de talent qui apportent chacune une perspective unique au corpus de la littérature canadienne-française.

Par leur regard aiguisé sur le monde, ses failles et ses espérances, ces figures marquantes nous tendent un miroir implacable et sensible. Leur talent rayonne dans la Francophonie et élève la littérature d’ici à la hauteur de la littérature universelle. Collectivement, leur œuvre leur a valu un grand nombre de distinctions et de prix, dont certains à l’international.

Postes Canada rend hommage depuis longtemps aux personnalités canadiennes qui s’illustrent dans le milieu de la culture et a mis en vedette de nombreux écrivains et écrivaines francophones et anglophones sur des timbres. Cette émission célèbre la littérature franco-canadienne contemporaine et présente des icônes de diverses régions francophones du Canada.

Marie-Claire Blais (1939-2021)
Née et élevée dans le quartier ouvrier de Limoilou, près de Québec, Marie-Claire Blais n’a pas encore 20 ans quand elle écrit son premier roman, La belle bête. Le livre, au langage cru jusque-là inusité en littérature québécoise, devient instantanément un classique. Reconnus pour leur lyrisme et leur complexité, les romans, les pièces de théâtre et les poèmes de Marie-Claire Blais reflètent un monde dur, mais aussi la tendresse et la compassion. De nombreuses distinctions sont décernées à l’autrice durant sa prolifique carrière, dont quatre Prix littéraires du Gouverneur général.

Jean Marc Dalpé (né en 1957)
Dramaturge, comédien, poète, romancier et traducteur, Jean Marc Dalpé est l’une des figures marquantes d’un mouvement culturel franco-ontarien. Cofondateur du Théâtre de la Vieille 17, qui se consacre au développement d’un théâtre ontarien en français, l’auteur explore l’aliénation des personnes qui appartiennent à un peuple minoritaire. Il enseigne à l’École nationale de théâtre du Canada et reçoit trois Prix littéraires du Gouverneur général.

Dany Laferrière (né en 1953)
Né à Port-au-Prince, en Haïti, Dany Laferrière s’exile à Montréal en 1976 pour fuir la dictature. C’est dans sa manière unique de traiter le quotidien qu’il brosse un tableau saisissant de la condition humaine. Ses romans à saveur autobiographique et poétique l’imposent comme un témoin majeur de son temps. Il est le premier Haïtien et le premier Canadien élu à l’Académie française, et son œuvre, traduite mondialement, lui vaut de nombreuses distinctions, y compris un Prix littéraire du Gouverneur général.

Antonine Maillet (née en 1929)
Reconnue pour sa passion pour l’identité, la langue et les coutumes acadiennes, Antonine Maillet écrit en français acadien. Publié en 1979, son roman Pélagie-la-Charrette, qui raconte le retour en Acadie de gens déportés par les Britanniques en 1755, remporte le prestigieux Prix Goncourt, en France. Antonine Maillet est faite Officier de l’Ordre du Canada en 1976, puis Compagnon en 1981.

Marguerite-A. Primeau (1914-2011)
Née à Saint-Paul-des-Métis (aujourd’hui St. Paul), en Alberta, Marguerite-A. Primeau devient une pionnière de la littérature francophone de l’Ouest canadien. Socialement engagée et indépendante, elle écrit dans sa langue maternelle sur les réalités de la vie des francophones dans sa région. Mettant en avant les personnes marginalisées et oubliées, elle dépeint une communauté francophone dynamique et diversifiée, et invite le public à adopter une perspective inclusive.

À propos des timbres
Conçus par Stéphane Huot, les timbres présentent des illustrations de Martin Côté inspirées de photographies des auteurs et autrices. Imprimée par Lowe-Martin, l’émission comprend un carnet de 10 timbres PermanentsMC et cinq plis Premier Jour officiels, un pour chaque icône.

Les timbres et les articles de collection seront en vente sur postescanada.ca et dans les comptoirs postaux partout au pays lorsque les activités de Postes Canada reprendront.

Scott Publishing has assigned the following catalogue numbers:
3466 Souvenir Sheet
a. Gingerbread House
b. Birdhouse
c. Doghouse
3467 Nativity
3468 Gingerbread House
3469 Birdhouse
3470 Doghouse

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New stamps celebrate Christmas and the holiday season
Illustrations of the Holy Family and whimsical depictions of gingerbread houses offer sacred and secular designs for seasonal mailings.OTTAWA – Canada Post released on November 4 two stamp issues marking the festive, winter season. The company has produced Christmas designs every year since 1964 and, for nearly 20 years, has offered stamps featuring secular holiday imagery.

The latest Christmas stamp depicts a vibrant coloured illustration of the Holy Family. It shows Mary and Joseph looking lovingly at the infant Jesus. A star is visible overhead, which was said to announce the birth and lead the Magi to Jesus.

The stamp was designed by Underline Studio and illustrated by Amanda Arlotta. Printed by Lowe-Martin, the issue includes a booklet of 12 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps and an Official First Day Cover (OFDC). The stamp of the OFDC was cancelled in Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador, because of the picturesque town’s reference to the Holy Trinity.

This year’s secular holiday issue features elaborately decorated gingerbread houses with all their creature comforts – a birdhouse (domestic rate), a doghouse (U.S. rate) and a barn that is home to Santa’s magical transport team (international rate).

Gingerbread houses may have originated in what is now Germany. They were often ornately decorated and eventually became part of Christmas traditions. Settlers brought gingerbread to Canada as early as the 1700s. Today, many Canadian cities host gingerbread-house making competitions, and many families make their own delicious little homes during the Christmas season.

The stamps were designed by Katina Constantinou of Sugar, featuring photography by Stacey Brandford and gingerbread baking and decorating by Zoë Weinrebe. Printed by Lowe-Martin, this issue includes a booklet of 12 Permanent domestic rate stamps, a sheetlet of six U.S. rate stamps, a sheetlet of six international rate stamps, a souvenir sheet, and an Official First Day Cover. Kitchener, Ontario, was chosen as the cancel location for its large German immigrant and descendent population.

The stamps and collectibles are now available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada.

More images at the bottom of this page.

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
De nouveaux timbres pour célébrer Noël et la période des Fêtes
Des images de la Sainte Famille et de maisons en pain d’épices fantaisistes offrent des options religieuses et profanes pour les envois des Fêtes.OTTAWA, ON, le 4 nov. 2024 /CNW/ – Aujourd’hui, Postes Canada a lancé deux émissions de timbres pour marquer la période festive hivernale. L’entreprise émet des timbres de Noël chaque année depuis 1964 et elle propose depuis près de 20 ans des timbres ornés d’images profanes.

Notre nouveau timbre de Noël présente une illustration aux couleurs vives de la Sainte Famille. Marie et Joseph admirent affectueusement l’Enfant Jésus. Une étoile annonçant la naissance et menant les Mages jusqu’à Jésus brille dans le ciel.

Le timbre a été conçu par Underline Studio et illustré par Amanda Arlotta. Imprimée par Lowe-Martin, l’émission comprend un carnet de 12 timbres PermanentsMC au tarif du régime intérieur et un pli Premier Jour officiel (PPJO). Le lieu d’oblitération du timbre sur le PPJO, la pittoresque ville de Trinity (Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador), a été choisi pour sa référence à la Sainte Trinité.

L’émission de timbres profanes de cette année présente des maisons en pain d’épices magnifiquement décorées et les jolies petites bêtes qui y vivent : une cabane à oiseaux (tarif du régime intérieur), une niche (tarif des envois à destination des États-Unis) et une grange abritant les rennes du père Noël (tarif du régime international).

Les maisons en pain d’épices tirent probablement leur origine de la région qui forme aujourd’hui l’Allemagne. Souvent décorées magnifiquement, elles ont fini par faire partie des traditions de Noël. Le pain d’épices arrive au Canada dès les années 1700. Aujourd’hui, plusieurs villes canadiennes organisent des concours de fabrication de maisons en pain d’épices, et de nombreuses familles confectionnent leurs propres petites habitations délicieuses pour les Fêtes.Les timbres, conçus par Katina Constantinou de Sugar, présentent les photos de Stacey Brandford. La confection et la décoration des maisons ont été confiées à Zoë Weinrebe. Imprimée par Lowe-Martin, cette émission comprend un carnet de 12 timbres Permanents au tarif du régime intérieur, un feuillet de 6 timbres au tarif des envois à destination des États-Unis, un feuillet de 6 timbres au tarif du régime international, un bloc-feuillet et un pli Premier Jour officiel. La ville de Kitchener, en Ontario, a été choisie comme lieu d’oblitération, car elle compte un grand nombre de personnes immigrées de l’Allemagne et leur descendance.

Les timbres et les articles de collection sont maintenant en vente sur postescanada.ca et dans les comptoirs postaux partout au pays. Too small to read? Click on this image to see a bigger version.

Scott Publishing has assigned this catalogue number 3471.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New Hanukkah stamp shines light on unique artifact recovered from Nazi Germany
The latest stamp from Canada Post features a 19th-century hanukkiyah now housed in Montréal museum

MONTRÉAL – Canada Post is unveiling its latest stamp, which commemorates the annual Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the “Festival of Lights.”

This year’s Hanukkah stamp features an ornate 19th-century hanukkiyah (also referred to as a menorah) with a remarkable past. Originally created in Poland, the silver-plated object is believed to have been rescued from a burning synagogue in Germany in November 1938 – around the time when widespread violence erupted in Nazi-occupied territories.

“In the aftermath of World War II, military authorities recovered a vast amount of Jewish cultural and religious items,” explains Louis Charbonneau of the Aron Museum at Montréal’s Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, which houses the spectacular menorah featured on the stamp. It was one of a number donated to the museum after the Second World War as part of the effort to redistribute recovered cultural and religious items to Israel and to Jewish communities around the world.

The hanukkiyah – holding eight candles and a ninth “helper” candle or shamash used to light the others – is unique for its striking sculpture of a peacock, symbolizing the faith and resilience that lie at the heart of Hanukkah.

Canada Post is honoured to feature this historic artifact, shining a light on an important piece of history. Along with Hanukkah, Canada Post is proud to commemorate popular holidays for several faiths celebrated by Canadians across the country, including Christmas, Diwali and Eid.

About the stamp
The Hanukkah stamp depicts a peacock-themed hanukkiyah standing 31.7 cm high, which was crafted by an unknown artist in 19th-century Poland. The stamp issue, designed by Subplot Design Inc. and printed by Colour Innovations, includes a booklet of six Permanent™ domestic rate stamps and an Official First Day Cover cancelled in Westmount, Quebec.

The stamp and collectibles are available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Remembrance Day stamps salute farmerettes and Soldiers of the Soil
Wartime heroes kept plates and stomachs full both at home and on the battlefieldOTTAWA – Canada Post is proud to announce the release of its annual Remembrance Day stamp issue, honouring the contributions of the farmerettes and Soldiers of the Soil during the First and Second World Wars.

The two-stamp set commemorates the young men and women who stepped up to support Canada’s agricultural efforts when the country and its allies needed them most.

The two world wars were not only won by troops on the battlefield. Civilians on the home front were instrumental in producing food, ammunition and other supplies for the war effort.

Canada played a lead role in producing food for Britain and the Allied troops during both wars. This was achieved with the help of different federal and provincial programs that recruited youth to work the farm fields at home after thousands of Canadian men left to serve in the battlefields of Europe.

This year’s Remembrance Day stamp issue honours participants of two of those programs: the farmerettes and the Soldiers of the Soil.

Farmerettes
During the First World War, the Ontario government created the Farm Service Corps, which recruited high-school girls to work on farms in 1917 and 1918. These workers were known as farmerettes. More than 20,000 girls participated in a similar initiative called the Ontario Farm Service Force’s Farmerette Brigade during the Second World War.

Farmerettes worked in farms, orchards and canneries for up to 10 hours a day, producing food for Canadians and the war effort. They paid their room and board from their hourly wage and supplied their own personal items – including work clothes.

Soldiers of the Soil
Created by the federal government in 1918, the Soldiers of the Soil initiative recruited teenaged boys to work on farms for the remainder of the First World War. More than 22,000 young Canadians enrolled in the program.

Participants planted, tended and harvested fruits and vegetables, helped with the haying and cared for livestock. At the end of their term, they were “honourably discharged” and awarded a bronze lapel badge of honour, often at a community ceremony acknowledging their wartime contribution.

About the stamps
The two stamps feature archival photos of participants in the national Soldiers of the Soil initiative and the Farmerette Brigade of the Ontario Farm Service Force at work in the fields.

The Soldiers of the Soil photo shows a group of young boys harvesting flax in a field near Willowdale, Ontario, around 1917. In the farmerettes photo, four members of the Farmerettes Brigade take a break from hoeing celery in Thedford, Ontario, in 1945.

Printed by Lowe-Martin, the issue includes a booklet of 10 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps, two Official First Day Covers and a pane of six stamps.

The Soldiers of the Soil stamp is cancelled in La Rivière, Manitoba, a farming area where some participants were sent. The Farmerettes stamp is cancelled in St. Catharines, Ontario, where many farmerettes worked.The stamps and collectibles are available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada.

Video (English subtitles):

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Les timbres du jour du Souvenir saluent les farmerettes et les soldats du sol
Ces héros et héroïnes de guerre ont aidé à remplir les assiettes, ici et au front.

OTTAWA – Postes Canada est fière d’annoncer son émission de timbres annuelle du jour du Souvenir. Cette année, l’émission souligne les contributions des farmerettes et des soldats du sol pendant les deux guerres mondiales.

Le jeu de deux timbres rend hommage aux jeunes hommes et aux jeunes femmes qui ont prêté main-forte pour soutenir les efforts agricoles du Canada au moment où le pays et ses alliés en avaient le plus besoin.

Les deux guerres mondiales n’ont pas seulement été gagnées sur les champs de bataille. Des civils sur le front intérieur ont joué un rôle déterminant dans la production de nourriture, de munitions et d’autres fournitures pour soutenir l’effort de guerre.

Pendant les deux guerres, le Canada est au premier plan dans la production d’aliments pour la Grande-Bretagne et les troupes alliées. Il réalise cette mission grâce à différents programmes fédéraux et provinciaux qui recrutent des jeunes pour travailler dans les champs agricoles au pays après le départ de milliers d’hommes canadiens pour les champs de bataille en Europe.

Les timbres du jour du Souvenir de cette année saluent les personnes qui ont participé à ces programmes : les farmerettes et les soldats du sol.

Farmerettes
Pour fournir de la main-d’œuvre agricole pendant la Première Guerre mondiale, le gouvernement de l’Ontario crée le corps des services agricoles, employant des élèves du secondaire en 1917 et 1918. Ces travailleuses sont connues sous le nom de « farmerettes ». Pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, plus de 20 000 filles participent à une initiative semblable, appelée la brigade des farmerettes des forces des services agricoles de l’Ontario.

Les farmerettes travaillent dans des fermes, des vergers et des conserveries jusqu’à 10 heures par jour pour produire de la nourriture pour la population canadienne et soutenir l’effort de guerre. Elles gagnent un salaire horaire, dont une partie sert à payer leur chambre et leur pension, et apportent leurs effets personnels, y compris leurs vêtements de travail.

Soldats du sol
Créée par le gouvernement fédéral en 1918, l’initiative des soldats du sol recrute des adolescents pour travailler dans les champs jusqu’à la fin de la Première Guerre mondiale. Plus de 22 000 jeunes Canadiens s’inscrivent au programme.

Les soldats du sol plantent, cultivent et récoltent des fruits et des légumes, font la fenaison et prennent soin du bétail. À la fin de leur mandat, ils reçoivent une épinglette en bronze au moment de leur « libération honorable », souvent lors d’une cérémonie communautaire pour souligner leur contribution à l’effort de guerre.

À propos des timbres
Les deux timbres présentent des photos d’archives de jeunes qui ont participé à l’initiative nationale des soldats du sol et à la brigade des farmerettes des forces des services agricoles de l’Ontario.

La photo des soldats du sol montre un groupe de jeunes garçons qui récoltent du lin dans un champ près de Willowdale, en Ontario, vers 1917. Sur la photo des farmerettes, quatre membres de la brigade prennent une pause du binage des céleris à Thedford, en Ontario, en 1945.

Imprimée par Lowe-Martin, l’émission comprend un carnet de 10 timbres PermanentsMC au tarif du régime intérieur, deux plis Premier Jour officiels et un feuillet de six timbres.

Le timbre des soldats du sol est oblitéré à La Rivière, au Manitoba, une région agricole où certains participants sont allés. Le timbre des farmerettes est oblitéré à St. Catharines, en Ontario, où plusieurs farmerettes ont travaillé.Les timbres et les articles de collection sont en vente sur postescanada.ca et dans les comptoirs postaux partout au pays.Video (English subtitles):

Video (French subtitles):

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New stamp celebrates the arrival of Diwali
This year’s design is inspired by the occasion of Lakshmi Puja

Issue date: 14 October

MONCTON, N.B. – Canada Post has issued a new stamp to mark the arrival of Diwali, a major multi-day festival observed across the world by many communities including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains. Also called the Festival of Lights, Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

This year’s stamp highlights Lakshmi Puja, which for many is the most important occasion of the celebration, often falling on the second or third day.

Traditions vary during this time, but many people light small clay lamps called diyas and perform rituals to invite Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, into their homes to bestow good fortune. Inspired by depictions of Lakshmi, the stamp design features three of her hands – one is showering coins, another holds a lotus flower and the third holds a diya.

Coinciding with the arrival of the new moon, Diwali is a multiple-day (often five-day) celebration that usually falls in October or November. This year, Diwali takes place on November 1.

About the Stamp
The stamp was designed by Rahul Bhogal of Nothing Design Studio and illustrated by Humble Raja. Printed by Lowe-Martin, the issue includes 360,000 Permanent™ stamps; 60,000 booklets of six Permanent stamps and 4,000 Official First Day Covers. The cancel site is Moncton, New Brunswick, which is home to a large community of Indian Canadians.Stamps and collectibles are available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New stamps feature artwork reflecting the history and legacy of residential schools
Stamp creation process guided by the Survivors Circle of the National Centre for Truth and ReconciliationUpdated January 6, 2025: The Scott catalogue numbers for this issue are, L-R, 3456, 3457 and 3458.

OTTAWA, ON /CNW/ – To commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Canada Post and the Survivors Circle of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation have unveiled new stamps highlighting artwork that reflects the history and legacy of residential schools.

Canada Post again partnered with the Survivors Circle to create this third issue of its Truth and Reconciliation stamp series. This partnership helps ensure that the perspectives and voices of Survivors remain central throughout the stamp creation process.

The artwork chosen by the Survivors Circle for this series was created by three artists: Robert Burke, Helen Iguptak and Adrian Stimson. All three are residential school Survivors.

Robert Burke
Robert Burke’s artwork explores the social issues and personal challenges of his Black Indigenous identity, as well as what he experienced in nearly a decade spent at St. Joseph’s Residential School in the Northwest Territories.

Helen Iguptak
Inuk artist Helen Iguptak was forced to abandon her traditional clothing when taken to live at Turquetil Hall in Nunavut. At the school, an older girl taught her to make dolls, a medium with a rich Inuit history. The dolls she makes today are dressed in traditional Inuit clothing.

Adrian Stimson
Two-Spirit interdisciplinary artist Adrian Stimson is a member of the Siksika Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy in Alberta. He attended three residential schools, including Gordon’s Residential School in Saskatchewan.

About the stamps
The booklet cover features the Survivors’ Flag of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. The stamps are cancelled in Ottawa, home to the seat of the Canadian government, which forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families and communities and removed them from their land, languages, cultures and spiritual traditions, by sending them to residential schools and day schools.

The child’s handprint is a symbol to remember the children taken at a young age to residential schools, many of whom never returned home. Lowe-Martin printed the stamps. Canada Post thanks the Survivors Circle of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation for their guidance throughout the stamp creation process.

The stamp products will be available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada beginning on September 27, to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour support to former residential school students and their families. If you require support, please call 1-866-925-4419. [en Francais pour les médias d’information]
De nouveaux timbres présentent des œuvres d’art qui reflètent l’histoire des pensionnats et les séquelles qu’ils ont laissées
Les vignettes ont été conçues en collaboration avec le Cercle des survivants du Centre national pour la vérité et la réconciliation.

OTTAWA, ON /CNW/ – Pour commémorer la Journée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation, Postes Canada et le Cercle des survivants du Centre national pour la vérité et la réconciliation ont dévoilé aujourd’hui de nouveaux timbres mettant en vedette des œuvres d’art qui reflètent l’histoire des pensionnats et les séquelles qu’ils ont laissées.

Dans le cadre de ce troisième volet de sa série Vérité et réconciliation, Postes Canada a travaillé de nouveau avec le Cercle des survivants, qui a veillé à ce que les points de vue et les voix des personnes survivantes soient au cœur du processus de création.

Les œuvres d’art choisies par le Cercle des survivants pour ce volet ont été réalisées par trois artistes, Robert Burke, Helen Iguptak et Adrian Stimson, qui ont survécu aux pensionnats.

Robert Burke
Les œuvres de Robert Burke explorent les enjeux sociaux et les défis personnels liés à son identité afro-autochtone, ainsi que ce qu’il a vécu pendant près d’une décennie au pensionnat St. Joseph’s, dans les Territoires du Nord-Ouest.

Helen Iguptak
L’artiste inuk Helen Iguptak a été forcée d’abandonner ses vêtements traditionnels lorsqu’elle a été amenée à Turquetil Hall, au Nunavut, où une fille plus âgée lui a appris à fabriquer des poupées, un art inuit à la riche histoire. Celles qu’elle confectionne aujourd’hui portent des habits inuit traditionnels.

Adrian Stimson
Personne bispirituelle, l’artiste interdisciplinaire Adrian Stimson est membre de la nation des Siksika de la Confédération des Pieds-Noirs en Alberta. Il a fréquenté trois pensionnats, y compris le pensionnat de Gordon, en Saskatchewan.

À propos des timbres
La couverture du carnet présente le drapeau des survivants du Centre national pour la vérité et la réconciliation. Les timbres sont oblitérés à Ottawa, où se situe le siège du gouvernement canadien, qui a séparé des enfants autochtones de leurs familles, de leurs communautés, de leurs terres, de leur langue maternelle, de leur culture et de leurs traditions spirituelles pour les envoyer dans des pensionnats et des externats.

L’empreinte de main est un symbole qui rappelle les enfants qui ont dû aller de force aux pensionnats et dont un bon nombre n’ont jamais eu la chance de rentrer à la maison. Lowe-Martin a imprimé les timbres. Postes Canada remercie le Cercle des survivants du Centre national pour la vérité et réconciliation qui l’a conseillée tout au long du processus de conception.

Les produits philatéliques seront offerts sur postescanada.ca et dans les bureaux de poste partout au pays à partir du 27 septembre en vue de la Journée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation le 30 septembre.

Les survivants et survivantes des pensionnats et leurs familles peuvent accéder en tout temps à la ligne d’écoute téléphonique nationale de Résolution des questions des pensionnats indiens. Pour obtenir du soutien, veuillez composer le 1 866 925-4419.

From Richard L. Beecher in The Virtual Stamp Club’s Facebook group on 11 September:

“While we await the news on a possible Morissette stamp, a stamp honouring Sarah McLachlan will be unveiled on Tuesday the 17th.“

No confirmation by Canada Post. The photo at left is of McLachlan playing at the Invictus Games in 2017.

Updated January 6, 2025: The Scott catalogue number for this issue is 3455.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New stamp shines spotlight on Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan
Grammy and JUNO award-winning artist has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and is known for her philanthropic efforts

VANCOUVER – Canada Post issued a new stamp today honouring singer-songwriter and musician, Sarah McLachlan. Known for her emotional ballads and hauntingly soulful vocals, the award-winning Canadian artist has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide.

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1968, McLachlan was adopted as an infant and received classical training in guitar, piano and voice at an early age. After studying at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design for one year, she moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, and released her first studio album, Touch (1988), at age 20.

Her second album, Solace (1991), went gold in Canada and earned McLachlan her first two JUNO nominations and first win for Best Video for the single “Into the Fire.” Fumbling Towards Ecstasy – celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with a North American tour – was a hit on its release in Canada and the United States in 1994.

In the photo on the right, McLachlan and Canada Post President & CEO Doug Ettinger pose with the new stamp during the unveiling 17 September at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music.

McLachlan has since launched six more studio albums, including the multi-platinum Surfacing (1997), her best-selling album to date. Showcasing her unique fusion of pop and folk with such hits as, “Building a Mystery,” “Sweet Surrender” and “Angel,” the album was a critical and commercial success and won two Grammy Awards and four JUNO Awards.

In 1997, McLachlan founded the exclusively female-fronted Lilith Fair concert tour, which helped bolster careers and raised more than $7 million for local and national charities. She has been a longtime advocate for animal rights and is the founder of the non-profit Sarah McLachlan School of Music, which provides free music education and mentorship to children and youth, among others, facing barriers to access.

McLachlan was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada (1999), invested into the Order of British Columbia (2001) and received a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement (Popular Music) (2015). A member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (2017), she will be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame on September 28 of this year.

About the stamp
Designed by Jocelyne Saulnier of Joce Creative, the stamp features a photo of McLachlan with a stylized version of her signature in the foreground. The background includes a detail from her hand silk-screened art print, Blue Sunrays. The cancel site is Vancouver, B.C. – McLachlan’s longtime home.

A Virtual Stamp Club exclusive by Danforth Guy:

She was born June 1, 1974, making her 50 years old.

Her Wikipedia entry and IMDB entry.

[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
New stamp celebrates acclaimed filmmaker Norman Jewison
Stamp issue honours the works and contributions of the award-winning director and Canadian Film Centre founder

TORONTO – Canada Post is pleased to unveil its latest stamp, which commemorates the life and work of genre-spanning Canadian filmmaker Norman Jewison (1926-2024). The director of such classics as In the Heat of the Night (1967), Fiddler on the Roof (1971) and Moonstruck (1987) was one of Hollywood’s most prolific filmmakers, who earned nominations for Best Director at the Academy Awards in three consecutive decades.

Jewison began his directorial career in television with CBC in 1951 before directing his first feature film, the Tony Curtis comedy 40 Pounds of Trouble in 1962. His masterful blend of style and substance was evident throughout his films, which often tackled major social justice issues and shone a light on the experiences of marginalized communities. Jewison was awarded with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award at the Oscars in 1999 for his body of work. He passed away earlier this year at the age of 97.

Jewison is the latest silver-screen icon recognized with a stamp by Canada Post, joining the likes of Donald Sutherland, Monique Mercure, Mary Pickford, Christopher Plummer, Mike Myers and Denys Arcand. The stamp was unveiled at an event hosted at the Canadian Film Centre in Toronto, which was founded by Jewison and serves as a training ground and incubator for Canadian talent.

Photo below from the ceremony: From left to right: Rick Mercer, Canadian comedian and television personality, Lynne St. David Jewison, Norman Jewison’s wife, Charles Sousa, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Lakeshore, and Doug Ettinger, Canada Post’s Chief Executive Officer, at the Norman Jewison stamp unveiling event in Toronto, on July 24, 2024. (Photo: Carlos Osorio, courtesy Canada Post)

About the stamp issue
The stamp image was photographed at the Canadian Film Centre in 2007 by photographer Peter Bregg for HELLO! Canada. The image was selected by Jewison himself, who was closely involved in the creation of the stamp. One of his fondest memories was being sworn in by the postmaster as a teenager, so he could work in the post office of his father’s general store. Printed by Lowe-Martin, the stamp issue includes a booklet of six Permanent™ domestic rate stamps and an Official First Day Cover [below].The new stamp and collectibles are now available for purchase at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada.

Initial announcement of Jewison on July 20^th:
[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Canada Post to honour acclaimed filmmaker Norman Jewison with a new stamp

Canada Post invites you to the unveiling of a new commemorative stamp, celebrating the life and legacy of genre-spanning Toronto-born filmmaker Norman Jewison, C.C. (1926-2024), on Wednesday, July 24.

Photo right by Canadian Film Centre from Toronto, Ontario. taken by Gail Harvey.

One of Hollywood’s most prolific filmmakers, Norman Jewison directed some of the most popular movies of our time – including multiple-Academy Award winners In the Heat of the Night (1967) and Moonstruck (1987). He made some 60 films and television productions over his long career, received four Oscar nominations for Best Picture, was awarded the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 1999 for his body of work.

This private event will take place at the Canadian Film Centre in Toronto, which was established by Jewison, and serves as a training ground and incubator for Canadian talent.

WHAT: Norman Jewison stamp unveiling event

WHEN: Wednesday, July 24; doors open at 2 pm ET and event starts at 2:30 pm ET

WHERE: The Canadian Film Centre, Northern Dancer Pavilion
2489 Bayview Avenue, North York, Ontario

[en Francais pour les médias d’information]
Postes Canada rendra hommage au grand cinéaste Norman Jewison avec le lancement d’un timbre

Postes Canada vous invite au dévoilement d’un nouveau timbre commémoratif qui rend hommage à la vie et à l’héritage du cinéaste éclectique natif de Toronto Norman Jewison, C.C. (1926-2024), le mercredi 24 juillet.

L’un des cinéastes les plus prolifiques de Hollywood, Norman Jewison a réalisé certains des films les plus populaires de notre époque, y compris Dans la chaleur de la nuit (1967) et Éclair de lune (1987), qui lui ont valu plusieurs Academy Awards. Il a signé quelque 60 films et productions télévisées, obtenu quatre nominations aux Oscars dans la catégorie du meilleur film et reçu le Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award en 1999 pour l’ensemble de son œuvre.

Cet événement privé aura lieu au Canadian Film Centre à Toronto. Établi par Norman Jewison, il s’agit d’un lieu de formation et d’une pépinière pour les talents canadiens.

QUOI : Dévoilement du timbre consacré à Norman Jewison

QUAND : Le mercredi 24 juillet; les portes ouvriront à 14 h (HE) et l’événement débutera à 14 h 30 (HE).

OÙ : Canadian Film Centre, Northern Dancer Pavilion
2489, avenue Bayview, North York (Ontario)