New stamp commemorates 250 years of formalized postal service in Canada

OTTAWA, June 10, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, Canada Post releases its newest commemorative stamp in honour of 250 years of formal postal service in Canada. When Great Britain assumed Lower Canada in 1763, an organized postal system was demanded by people looking for a way to communicate over vast distances and maintain contact with their homeland. This latest stamp not only marks a milestone anniversary, but testifies to the Corporation's ongoing ability to connect the people of our vast and diverse country.

"It is remarkable to note that our postal system has stayed relevant to Canadians for 250 years," says Deepak Chopra, President and CEO of Canada Post. "Our core mission of connecting Canadians and enabling remote commerce across this vast nation remains at the very heart of everything we do."

Postal services debuted in the beginning of the 17^th century as the French developed a network of roads and rivers used for fur trade and delivering correspondence. Portuguese courier Pedro Da Silva was the first recognized postal carrier as he delivered Royal dispatches and mail throughout New France.

In 1753, Benjamin Franklin was appointed Deputy Postmaster General to the British colonies and opened a post office in Halifax to connect the Atlantic colonies with Britain. The Treaty of Paris in 1763 opened the doors to a formalized postal system as the British invested further by opening more post offices in what is now known as Quebec. Quebec merchant Hugh Finlay became Postmaster General on June 10, 1763, and built a weekly service between Québec, Trois-Rivières and Montréal.

About the stamp
The stamps measure 32 mm x 24 mm (horizontal) with simulated perforations. They are printed by Lowe-Martin on Tullis Russell paper using lithography in seven colours. The stamps are pressure sensitive. The Official First Day Cover will be cancelled in Quebec City. The stamps are available in booklets of 10. The new stamp is available at post offices across the country, and at canadapost.ca. To download image of the stamp or to purchase philatelic products, please visit canadapost.ca/shop.

SOURCE: Canada Post