Canada’s latest stamp marks RCMP founding

New Permanent stamp marks 150th anniversary of historic policing institution

Canada Post issued a new stamp today recognizing the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on the 150th anniversary of its establishment in 1873.

The stamp design features a member of the RCMP in traditional dress, acknowledging the organization’s historic roots, along with images that represent its role as a modern national police service – including the role of its civilian members and public service employees – from responding to emergencies to investigating cybercrime. The issue continues the stamp program’s “tradition of paying tribute to significant milestones, events and individuals’ contributions in Canadian history,” according to a statement issued by Canada Post.

“Canada Post’s iconic national stamp program has a tradition of marking historical moments, events and individuals that have played an important role in Canada’s history. This includes the historic anniversary of the RCMP, which has played a significant role in our country over the past 150 years,” said Canada Post President and CEO Doug Ettinger.

Founded on May 23, 1873, as the North-West Mounted Police, the RCMP originally assembled near Winnipeg, Man., in 1874, with a mounted unit of 300 men recruited from Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, with local Métis guides, set out on the “March West.” The organization’s purpose at that time was to administer the laws of Canada in the Northwest Territories after the transfer of jurisdiction from the British Crown. In the following decades, the role and mandate of the organization changed as it gradually took on policing duties in more provinces and territories, along with federal responsibilities.

Today, RCMP employees serve in a wide range of functions that include preventing and investigating crime; enforcing federal, provincial and territorial law; protecting national security and contributing to international intelligence-sharing and peace operations.

“The RCMP is very proud to be honoured with a special stamp for our 150th anniversary. The stamp is a fitting tribute to both the heritage of our organization and to the amazing people who proudly serve the RCMP today and who dedicate their careers to keeping Canada safe,” said RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme.

Réjean Myette designed the stamp, which was printed by Lowe-Martin in six-stamp booklets and on an official first-day cover serviced with an Ottawa cancel.

The new collectibles are available at canadapost.ca and select postal outlets across Canada.

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