Massey tables Commission on Canadian Culture

On today’s date in 1951, Vincent Massey tabled a report for his Commission on Canadian Culture, in which the Canadian lawyer argued for increased government support of the arts.

In 1969, Canada Post featured Massey on a 6-cent yellow-olive and dark brown stamp (CS Scott # 491) with 12 perforations. Printed by the Canadian Bank Note Company, the stamp depicts Massey’s portrait above his name and the years he was alive, “1887-1967”. Below is his title, “GOVERNOR GENERAL / GOUVERNEUR GENERAL” and the years he served, “1952-1959”.

In 1969, Canada Post featured Massey on this six-cent stamp (CS # 491).

In 1977, Massey was depicted on a 12-cent stamp (CS # 735) honouring Canadian-born governor generals, including Massey, Georges Philias Vanier, Daniel Roland Michener and Jules Leger.

In 1977, Massey graced this 12-cent stamp (CS # 735) honouring Canadian-born governor generals.

Finally, in 2002, Massey was included on a 48-cent stamp celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first time a Canadian was appointed governor general of Canada. First approached to become governor general in 1950, Massey eventually took office in February 1952. A personal friend of King George VI, Massey had already proved himself in the academic, business, and government worlds, and now embarked on a new venture as the governor general of Canada.