News Releases

Canada Post marks the XII Summit of la Francophonie with a stamp

Oct. 15, 2008

The XII Summit of la Francophonie - a gathering of representatives from more than 60 countries to discuss common issues - will take place from October 17 to 19 in Québec City. Canada Post will mark this significant event with a new domestic rate (52¢) stamp.

When the first French settlers came to the New World at the turn of the seventeenth century, they brought with them longstanding traditions of language and culture. Thanks to the combined efforts of those dedicated to the preservation of their native customs and values, these traditions continue to shape and enrich the Canadian identity to this day.

Canada acknowledges the importance of French within its borders and supports the development of an international Francophone community. In 1970, Canada was a founding member of the international organization l'Agence de coopération culturelle et technique (ACCT). The ACCT is united by a shared desire to protect and preserve French language and culture, while improving cooperation between its member states and governments. In 2005, the agency was renamed the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). It now has 55 member states and governments, as well as 13 observer states.

The commemorative stamp features a striking photograph of Québec City with rich magentas and oranges worked into the background-colours inspired by the Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec's campaign colours. "For this design, we tried to capture a sense of La Francophonie as an international body, while at the same time highlighting its significance to Canada," says Alain Leduc, Manager of Stamp Design and Production at Canada Post. The skyline of the stamp includes the names of all participating countries and a photograph of Québec City in the background showcases the city's role as the cradle of French culture in North America.

The 52-cent stamp was designed by Ian Drolet and measures 32.25 mm x 32.25 mm, with 13+ perforations. Canadian Bank Note printed a total of 1.5 million stamps, to be sold in panes of 16. The P.V.A. gum stamps was printed using lithography in seven colours on Tullis Russell paper and are general tagged on all sides. The Official First Day Cover will bear the cancel, "QUÉBEC, QUEBEC".

Additional information about Canadian stamps can be found in the Newsroom section of Canada Post's website, and photos of these new stamps are in the Newsroom's Photo Centre. Stamps and Official First Day Covers will be available at participating post offices, or can be ordered online by following the links at Canada Post's website www.canadapost.ca, or by mail order from the National Philatelic Centre. From Canada and the USA, call toll-free: 1 800 565-4362, and from other countries, call: 902 863-6550.