Volume 38#04

June 18 – July 1, 2013

Lot 1 in Eastern Auctions' June 19 Camellia Collections sale is the original seven-page 1851 contract for the production of Canada's first postage stamps. Signed by Provincial Postmaster General James Morris and representatives of the New York engraving firm Rawdon, Wright, Hatch and Edson, the historic document established the terms for printing the Province of Canada's first stamp issue, including the iconic three-pence Beaver.

Montreal’s 1812 war hero gets his due

“During the past year, Canadians have paid tribute to many heroes of the War of 1812. I am especially proud to be here today at the unveiling of this stamp in honour of Lieutenant-Colonel de Salaberry, a true French-Canadian hero,” said Minister Blaney. “Salaberry and his Voltigeurs are known for having bravely defended Canada 200 years ago, and we must never forget the sacrifices they made, as they participated in building the Canada we know today.” Dubbed “The Hero of Châteauguay,” de Salaberry was a distinguished British Army commander whose leadership of the legendary Voltigeurs ensured the successful defence of Montreal and all of Lower Canada (now Quebec) from 1812-14. Continue reading →

Regulars

Are you buying or selling?

Page 19

Check out the shows in your area

Page 23

Editorial

Winds of postal reform blowing harder than ever

The truth is that post office closures are going to become more and more common. As a business, Canada Post has a huge problem: not only is it losing money, but its core business of delivering mail to Canadians is in decline. At the same time, the number of addresses to be served is on the increase. Faced with these problems, the corporation has few alternatives. It must cut costs, which means closing post offices and combining operations such as sorting into fewer facilities, and possibly reducing the level of service. At the same time it needs to look at growing whatever revenue it can, and that means admail and philatelic sales.

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By Bret Evans