[press release]
THE WAR AMPS LAUNCHES 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS WITH UNVEILING OF CANADA POST COMMEMORATIVE ENVELOPE

OTTAWA, ON – February 8, 2018 – The War Amps officially launched its 100th anniversary year today with the unveiling of a Canada Post commemorative envelope, at the Association’s National Headquarters in Ottawa.

Amputee veterans returning from the First World War started The War Amps in 1918 to assist each other in adapting to their new reality as amputees. They then welcomed amputee veterans following the Second World War and established the Key Tag Service to gain meaningful employment and provide a service to the public. The War Amps many programs have grown over the past 100 years from assisting war amputees – whom they still serve – to all amputees, including children.

“Our work now encompasses a diversity of issues, from financial assistance for artificial limbs, to providing a voice for amputees’ rights, to spreading our PLAYSAFE message to children and much more. As we move into our second century, just as The War Amps has fought the battle for veterans since 1918, we still have a modern-day battle to fight to ensure that the needs of all amputees are met,” said Brian Forbes, Chairman of the Executive Committee of The War Amps.

Shown above: Second World War amputee veteran Charles Jefferson and members of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, Olivia Miller and Dante Fotia, unveil the commemorative envelope.

The envelope reflects The War Amps long history and innovative programs through photos and text. Jim Phillips, Director of Stamp Services at Canada Post said, “The War Amps is an important part of Canada and has made a tremendous impact on the lives of amputees in this country. We are delighted to issue a commemorative envelope that celebrates its rich history and the vital work it does.”

The War Amps work for Canada’s amputees over the past 100 years would not have been possible without the public, said Forbes. “The War Amps receives no government grants and our programs are possible through donations to the Key Tag and Address Label Service. Thanks to the continued support of Canadians, our commitment remains to improve the lives of amputees long into the future.”

Envelopes can be purchased by visiting Canada Post’s website [direct link to the envelope]. Please visit waramps.ca for more information about The War Amps 100th anniversary.

From Details magazine:

Issued on the first day of Black History Month [February], these stamps recognize the contributions of two prominent, ground-breaking Canadians.

Kathleen (Kay) Livingstone (1918-75)
A long-time Toronto resident, Kathleen Livingstone was an activist, humanitarian and popular radio host devoted to the empowerment of Black women. She founded the Canadian Negro Women’s Association in the 1950s and, in 1975, launched the Congress of Black Women of Canada – now a nationwide organization. In 2011, she was named a Person of National Historic Significance by the Government of Canada.

“We are thrilled that people will learn not only about her efforts but also about the kind of person she was: a mother who served her family and a humanitarian who served her people, her city and her country,” says her daughter, Rene Livingstone. “She did it generously and she did it well.”

Lincoln M. Alexander (1922-2012)
Toronto-born Lincoln MacCauley Alexander had a distinguished career as a public servant and became a leader in the fight for racial equality. He was the first Black Canadian to be elected to the House of Commons (1968), appointed to the federal Cabinet (1979) and named to a viceregal position in Canada, as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (1985). He encouraged countless young people to pursue their dreams – often telling them, “I did it. You can. You will.”

Both stamps, designed by Winnipeg-based Tétro, evoke the personal strength of these great Canadians through historic photographs. “The images selected capture a moment that is both internally reflective and formidable,” says designer Paul Tétrault. “The gold metallic glow pays tribute to their visionary influence and trailblazing achievements.”

[press release]
2018 Black History Month stamps celebrate trailblazers Lincoln M. Alexander and Kathleen (Kay) Livingstone
Two prominent Black Canadians devoted their lives to promoting equality and opportunity for everyone

OTTAWA, Jan. 26, 2018 /CNW/ – Canada Post is marking upcoming Black History Month with stamps for 2018 celebrating Lincoln M. Alexander and Kathleen (Kay) Livingstone, two prominent Black Canadians who shattered barriers for visible minorities in Canada. The stamps will be available for purchase at postal outlets and canadapost.ca/blackhistory beginning February 1, the start of Black History Month in Canada.

“Lincoln Alexander and Kay Livingstone opened countless doors for Black Canadians and other minorities across the country. They are remarkable role models who fostered Canadian values of diversity, respect and inclusion,” says Canada Post President and CEO Deepak Chopra.

Lincoln Alexander
Born in Toronto, Alexander (1922-2012) was a distinguished public servant who championed racial equality, justice and education in Canada for decades. He was the first Black Canadian to be elected to the House of Commons (1968), appointed to the federal cabinet (1979) and named to a viceregal position in Canada, as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (1985). He encouraged countless youth to pursue their dreams, often telling them: “I did it. You can. You will.” In recognition of his extraordinary accomplishments, January 21 has been celebrated as Lincoln Alexander Day across Canada since 2015.

Kathleen (Kay) Livingstone
Raised in London, Ont., Livingstone (1918-75) lived most of her adult life in Toronto, where she was a popular radio host and became one of Canada’s most prominent visionaries, activists and humanitarians. She devoted her life to empowering Black women and is credited with coining the term “visible minority.” In the 1950s, she founded the Canadian Negro Women’s Association. In 1973, she organized the first National Congress of Black Women, and in 1975 launched the Congress of Black Women of Canada, a now nationwide organization dedicated to the welfare of Black women and their families. In 2011, she was named a Person of National Historic Significance by the Government of Canada.

[press release]
Canada Post celebrates Canadian Women in Winter Sports
Six barrier-breaking role models honoured in special five-stamp issue

CALGARY – Weeks before the cauldrons are lit for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in South Korea, Canada Post lifted the veil on stamps that honour some of the most accomplished athletes Canada has known.

The Women in Winter Sports stamp issue commemorates six remarkable athletes in five beautiful stamps: Sharon and Shirley Firth (cross-country skiing); Sonja Gaudet (wheelchair curling); Danielle Goyette (hockey); Nancy Greene (alpine skiing); and Clara Hughes (cycling and speed skating).

“Sport is a vital element of our cultural fabric. It has the power to build bridges between people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities,” says the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement. “The women of these stamps have contributed to Canada beyond the medals they’ve won or the records they’ve broken. As a group, they have been champions of accessibility, community-builders and thought leaders.”

“The women who share the podium in these stamps broke barriers, inspired generations and have contributed to our country’s national story both on and off of the ice and snow,” says Deepak Chopra, President and CEO of Canada Post. “They have been ambassadors for their sports, impressive role models and a great source of national pride.”

The stars were honoured today at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in Canada Olympic Park, a hub of winter sport. Shirley Firth, who passed away in 2013 at age 59, was represented by her husband, Jan Larsson, and daughters Marie and Nina Larsson.

Designed by Roy White, Matthew Clark and Jacquie Shaw of Subplot Design Inc. of Vancouver, B.C., the stamps marry candid photos with action shots of the athletes. The stamps and all related products are available at retail outlets and online at canadapost.ca.

Sharon and Shirley Firth transformed Inuvik into a hotbed of Nordic skiing. They competed in four Olympic Games and four World Ski Championships and dominated their sport from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s, winning 79 medals at the national championships, including 48 national titles.

Sonja Gaudet is the world’s most decorated wheelchair curler, with three Paralympic gold medals and three World Wheelchair Curling Championships. A tireless advocate for accessibility, she is an ambassador with the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Paralympic Committee.

Danielle Goyette scored more than 100 career goals and dominated women’s hockey into her 40s. She won two Olympic gold medals and a silver, as well as eight gold medals at the International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championships. She was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017.

Nancy Greene put Canada on the map in alpine skiing. She competed at Squaw Valley in 1960, Innsbruck in 1964 and Grenoble in 1968, winning gold and silver medals. Canada’s Female Athlete of the 20th Century, Greene won 17 Canadian titles, 13 World Cup victories and three U.S. Ski Championships.

Clara Hughes is the only athlete in history to win multiple medals at both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. She made six Olympic appearances, winning six medals: one gold, one silver and four bronze – in cycling and speed skating.