Canada Post announces 2013 stamp program

From music to motorcycles to animals, program offers assortment of Canadian culture

OTTAWA, June 4, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada Post's 2013 stamp program, unveiled today, demonstrates an eclectic mix of topics, including historical figures, artists and significant anniversaries. Each year, the stamp program provides a glimpse into Canadian history, culture and inspirations, and each stamp issue has stories to tell and memories to cherish.

"The diversity of Canada is reflected in this year's stamp program, offering a stamp every Canadian can identify with—whether it is history or rock and roll" says the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport).

"I wish to thank the Stamp Advisory Committee for their valuable contribution to the selection of this year's program," says Deepak Chopra, president and CEO of Canada Post. "Overall, more than 500 topics were submitted for consideration this year."

The Stamp Advisory Committee guides the selection of stamp subjects and designs. It is comprised of Canadians from across the country chosen for their knowledge of history, design, philately or other areas of expertise. Their recommendations are shared with Canada Post's Board of Directors for the final selection. Three new members have been appointed to the committee: Philatelist, author and journalist Michael O. Nowlan; McGill University History professor Suzanne Morton; and David K. Foot, demographer and author of the bestselling book, Boom, Bust and Echo.

OVERVIEW OF 2013 STAMP PROGRAM:
Special commemoratives:

• Adopt a pet: In co-operation with the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, a set of stamps will be issued to encourage Canadians to adopt a pet and reduce the number of unwanted animals in Canada.
• Gates of Chinatown: The stamps will feature eight authentic Chinese gates in eight Canadian cities, interpreted by eight artists. This issue is expected to be tremendously popular with collectors.
• Motorcycles: More than 20 motorcycle brands have originated in this country and more than 70,000 Canadians are members of the Motorcyclists' Confederation of Canada. A set of stamps depicting Canadian designs will celebrate the motorcycle's popularity and its Canadian history.
• Robertson Davies (1913-1995): A single stamp will mark the 100^th anniversary of the birth of this great Canadian novelist and journalist.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada: A stamp to honour the organization's century of working to ensure young people have positive adult role models.
• 250^th Anniversary of Formalized Postal Service (1763): 2013 will mark the 250^th anniversary of the establishment of the first formalized postal service between Quebec, Montreal and Trois-Rivières.  Benjamin Franklin, the Deputy Postmaster General in North America, came to Quebec from Philadelphia to establish the organization.

New series:

• Canadian Photography: The first of a five-year series depicting 150 years of the most compelling photographs taken by Canadians.
• Haunted Canada: Canadians love their ghost stories and there are chilling accounts of the supernatural and paranormal activities throughout the country. This new series will give us goose bumps using special effects and is expected to be frighteningly popular with collectors and consumers alike.

Returning series:

• Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake: The next issue of the ongoing series will start the year with stamps that feature the snake.
• Canadian Pride: This continuing series will depict five more interesting ways to showcase the Canadian flag.
• Baby Wildlife: The third issue in this popular series will continue to feature young animals indigenous to Canada.
• Signs of the Zodiac: The final four of 12 zodiac stamps are dedicated to those born under the signs of Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
• The Queen: Continuing a Canadian tradition of honouring The Queen, this year's stamp issue will mark the 60^th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.
• Black History: Oliver Jones and Joe Fortes: Canadian jazz pianist Oliver Jones and Vancouver's beloved volunteer lifeguard, Joe Fortes, are honoured in the 5^th issue of this series.
• Magnolias: The magnolias will continue the spring tradition in the ongoing flower series.
• The War of 1812: Laura Secord and Lieutenant Colonel Charles de Salaberry: The second issue in a series on the heroes of the War of 1812 will feature Laura Secord and Lieutenant Colonel Charles de Salaberry.
• Children's Literature: The second issue in a series on Canadian children's literature will feature Marie-Louise Gay's beloved Stella character published by Groundwood Books.
• Canadian Recording Artists: This will be the fourth issue of this ongoing series recognizing Canadian musical legends. This year, bands will be featured.
• Princess of Wales' Own Regiment, 150^th anniversary: As part of a recent series to honour long-standing military regiments in Canada, the 2013 stamp will spotlight the Princess of Wales' Own Regiment.
• There will also be six commemorative envelopes: Lincoln and Welland Regiment, 100^th anniversary; 49^th Field Artillery Regiment, 100^th anniversary; Olds College, 100^th anniversary; Louisbourg, 300^th; anniversary; Montreal Fire Department, 150^th anniversary; 4-H Canada, 100^th anniversary

Media Relations
613 734-8888
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Brayden Akers, Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State (Transport)
613 991-0070