Author Archives: Jim Szeplaki

The venerable Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the country’s oldest continuously operating national public broadcasting network, once had a stamp club. Established 88 years ago, in November 1936, the CBC includes distinct English-and French-language service units known as CBC and Radio-Canada, respectively, reflecting Canada’s official languages. Canadian officials based their Crown corporation on the British model,... Continue reading →

Nearly 175 lots will cross the block as part of Eastern Auctions’ third sale of the Denninger Collection on Feb. 22 with this portion offering airmail rarities from Newfoundland and Canada. The sale, which offers Lots 501-674 in a single session, contains “most of the major” Newfoundland airmail rarities, including errors, varieties, overprints and surcharges,... Continue reading →

The first portion of the Hobart Collection, featuring New Brunswick and Nova Scotia proofs, stamps, and postal history, will cross the block on Feb. 21. The Maritime provinces issued 10 different designs between 1851, when they were still British colonies, and 1867, when they joined Canadian Confederation. The consignor has “methodically and carefully assembled” the... Continue reading →

With last year’s production increased, collectors’ albums will require more space for all versions of 2024 Canadian stamps. For one in every format – totalling 75 – the pre-tax cost was $77.14, compared with $52.28 for all 2023 definitives and commemoratives, $91.02 for the 2022 stamps. With one exception, all of last year’s stamps were... Continue reading →

The philatelic community is mourning the loss of Jack Nixon, a bright young star whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 16 after a courageous 15-month battle with brain cancer. Jack passed away on Dec. 3, 2024, leaving a legacy of achievement, grace, and inspiration. Jack was not only a cherished son,... Continue reading →

Philatelists have voiced their “deep concern” about Canada’s ongoing postal strike in an open letter to the country’s postal service and political officials. The strike, which began on Nov. 15, “is having a devastating impact on Canada’s philatelic community … and is hastening the decline of our postal service – a cornerstone of our nation’s history... Continue reading →

The philatelic market in Canada has undergone “significant change” over the past year, during which time several challenges have risen, according to the president of the Canadian Stamp Dealers Association (CSDA). The dwindling number of clubs and dealers in certain regions of the country, as well as the increased cost of new issues, factor into... Continue reading →

The Greater Toronto Area Philatelic Alliance (GTAPA), once a key organization supporting stamp collecting in Toronto and beyond, will officially dissolve on Dec. 31. “The GTAPA simply outlived its utility,” explains board member Garfield Portch. This decision was reached at a special meeting of the board of directors on July 24, where representatives from 12... Continue reading →

More than 50 Philatelic Specialist Society of Canada members and guests recently celebrated the national hobby organization’s 70th anniversary at a special dinner. “For me it’s been a learning experience,” Bob Vogel, the PSSC president.since 2019, said in an interview before the event at the landmark Old Mill restaurant in Toronto on October 16. “There’s... Continue reading →

With a welcoming atmosphere, high-quality exhibits, and an unforgettable president’s reception, the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC) convention, held from Sept. 20-22 in New Brunswick’s capital, brought together collectors and enthusiasts from across the country for a memorable celebration of philately. Hosted by the Fredericton and District Stamp Club, this was the first RPSC... Continue reading →