A bilingual slogan cancel reading, “Personnel soignant, merci / Thanks, healthcare workers,” has been applied to all lettermail processed at each of Canada Post’s 21 mail-processing plants since May 1.
The French and English text offers a show of appreciation for the country’s healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s mechanically applied to all lettermail using the postal service’s high-speed automated processing machines.
Other postal markings, including commemorative cancels, are also being used by postal services around the world to raise awareness about COVID-19 or show thanks to frontline workers.
COVID-19 STAMPS
Since mid-March, when Iran unveiled the world’s first COVID-19 stamp, more than a dozen countries have followed suit with similar issues: Alderney, Central African Republic, China, Djibouti, Guernsey, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Isle of Man, Lebanon, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and Vietnam have all issued COVID-19 stamps.
Several of these countries have also issued special cachets, pre-paid postcards and more, all of which can become elements of a future COVID-19 exhibit.
In response to an inquiry from CSN, Canada Post wouldn’t confirm whether or not it plans to issue a COVID-19 stamp.
“If there are further adjustments to the 2020 stamp program, we will communicate that information,” said Valérie Chartrand, Canada Post media relations officer, in an email to CSN on May 4.