Canada Post has released a new stamp highlighting the history of civilian internment in Canada during the First and Second World Wars.
Released on July 17, the stamp aims to raise awareness about the thousands of people unjustly detained, as well as those who faced severe restrictions on their freedoms in the name of national security. Canada Post says the issue honours the resilience of the affected communities and reminds Canadians of the importance of learning from this history.
The stamp design features bold bilingual red text on a grey background, overlaid with barbed wire to symbolise the harsh conditions and confinement endured by internees. It was designed by Underline Studio and printed by Colour Innovations. The cancellation site is Petawawa, Ont., home to an internment camp during both world wars. The stamps are available online and at select post offices nationwide.
Internment began in 1914 with the War Measures Act, which allowed the government to detain thousands without trial. More than 8,500 men from enemy nations—including large numbers of Ukrainians, Germans, and others—were imprisoned in camps across Canada. During the Second World War, up to 24,000 people, including Japanese Canadians and refugees, were similarly interned, and many had their homes and property confiscated.
Check the next issue of Canadian Stamp News for the complete story exploring Canada’s internment history and the new stamp issue.