Category Archives: Top Story

Charles Verge, a veteran collector and champion of “Organized Philately” in Canada and abroad, has announced his retirement from several of his long-running posts. Effective March 1, Verge has resigned as the vice-chair, vice-president, historian and archivist of the Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation, of which he is the longest-serving director. The move also... Continue reading →

Long-time CSN columnist and consulting editor Ian Robertson celebrates his 35th anniversary with the publication this March. A lifelong stamp collector, Robertson has been with CSN for much of its 45-year history. After joining Canada’s philatelic paper of record as a freelancer in 1987, he quickly rose to the rank of consulting editor and has... Continue reading →

New Brunswick’s Eastern Auctions will offer the Auchenbraith Collection of Canadian federal and provincial revenues in a single-session sale in late March. The collection, noteworthy for its high quality and rarity, features many areas that “surpass … well-known collections of the past,” according to auctioneers, who referenced earlier offerings from Harry Lussey, W.C. Rockett, John... Continue reading →

After two years of unprecedented pandemic postponements, 15 philatelists from around the world – including one from Canada – are set to sign the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists (RDP) this February in Britain. The 2020, 2021 and 2022 honourees are slated to add their names to the iconic RDP, philately’s highest honour, on Feb. 21 at 5:30... Continue reading →

Long-time philatelist Michael Madesker, one of Canada’s signatory of the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists (RDP), has died at age 96. A leading figure in Canadian philately for more than half a century, Madesker died on Dec. 27 at Mackenzie Health Hospital in Richmond Hill, Ont. In his personal hobby, he was an “eclectic” collector, writer and... Continue reading →

Canada Post has unveiled the subjects for its 2022 stamp program, which celebrates “some of the country’s most accomplished individuals, historic milestones, holidays, and creatures that share our planet,” according to a recent statement from the Crown corporation. As announced in a preview last summer (“Canada Post unveils 2022 stamp program subjects,” CSN Vol. 46... Continue reading →

Two years into COVID-19, Canadian philately continues to enjoy strong demand and higher-than-expected values as the hobby builds on the lessons learned in the early days of the pandemic. Despite an ongoing lack of in-person shows, club meetings and other events, collector interest has held strong over the last 12 months. Some organizations, including the... Continue reading →

After nearly two decades at the helm of the country’s national stamp program, Jim Phillips fondly looks back at his tenure as Canada Post’s director of stamp services. Before clocking out on Nov. 12, his last day on the job, Phillips served in the stamp program’s top position since 2002, although his work with Canada... Continue reading →

Canada Post paid a philatelic tribute to one of the country’s top singer-songwriters on Nov. 18, when it released its second final issue of the year honouring Buffy Sainte-Marie. Although uncertain of her origins, Sainte-Marie believes she was born in February 1941 on the Piapot Cree First Nation in Qu’Appelle Valley, Sask. According to the... Continue reading →

Saskatoon Stamp Centre (SSC), a long-time staple of Canada’s philatelic community, is closing its doors after more than 55 years in business. Owner John Jamieson opened up shop as a retail store in 1965 before moving the mail-order business, something he supplemented by having a presence at major shows and conventions. All the while, Jamieson... Continue reading →