New stamp series celebrates French-Canadian authors

Canada Post has unveiled a new series of stamps paying tribute to five prominent French-Canadian authors, highlighting their significant contributions to literature in Canada and beyond.

The writers, each celebrated for their unique perspectives and literary achievements, have brought French-Canadian culture to the global stage.

In a statement, Canada Post emphasized its commitment to honoring Canadian cultural achievements, noting that the new stamps continue a tradition of featuring influential authors from both English- and French-speaking communities. “This issue is a celebration of contemporary French-Canadian writing, with a focus on authors from diverse francophone communities across the country,” the postal service stated.

The authors recognized in the series include:

  • Marie-Claire Blais (1939-2021): Raised in the working-class Québec neighborhood of Limoilou, Blais became a literary sensation with her first novel, La belle bête, written before she turned 20. Known for her lyrical and complex works, Blais explored the harshness of life with moments of tenderness and compassion. Her prolific career garnered numerous awards, including four Governor General’s Literary Awards.
  • Jean Marc Dalpé (b. 1957): A prominent figure in Franco-Ontarian theatre, Dalpé is a playwright, actor, poet, novelist, and translator. His work often examines the alienation experienced by minorities. As a co-founder of Théâtre de la Vieille 17, he has championed French-language theatre in Ontario. Dalpé’s contributions to literature have earned him three Governor General’s Literary Awards.
  • Dany Laferrière (b. 1953): Originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Laferrière fled to Montréal in 1976 to escape political oppression. His autobiographical and poetic novels vividly capture the human condition, earning him international acclaim. In 2013, he became the first Haitian and the first Canadian elected to the prestigious Académie française.
  • Antonine Maillet (b. 1929): An Acadian icon, Maillet’s works celebrate Acadian identity, language, and customs. Her 1979 novel Pélagie-la-Charrette, depicting the Acadians’ return after their 1755 deportation, won the Prix Goncourt, one of France’s most prestigious literary honors. She is also a Companion of the Order of Canada.
  • Marguerite-A. Primeau (1914-2011): Born in Saint-Paul-des-Métis (now St. Paul), Alberta, Primeau was a pioneer of French-language literature in Western Canada. Her socially conscious works highlighted the realities of francophone life in the region and painted a vibrant, inclusive picture of her community.

The stamps were designed by Stéphane Huot and feature illustrations by Martin Côté based on photographs of each author. The series includes a booklet of 10 Permanent stamps and five Official First-Day Covers, each dedicated to one of the honorees.

According to Canada Post, the stamps and collectibles are available for purchase online and at postal outlets across the country.

Through this initiative, Canada Post says it is aiming to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions of French-Canadian authors, whose works continue to inspire and resonate with readers across Canada and around the world.

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