New Royal Philatelic Society of Canada president Peter MacDonald says the country’s oldest national philatelic organization is entering its second century with a clear sense of purpose and an eye toward long-term sustainability. Elected in May, MacDonald believes the society’s future will be shaped by thoughtful planning, meaningful member services and strong governance.
Describing the past year as one of transition, MacDonald says change is a natural and necessary part of any volunteer organization. He has identified three priorities for the RPSC: clarifying its purpose, delivering programs and services that matter to members, and strengthening the organization’s financial and organizational sustainability.
For MacDonald, the presidency is about giving back to a hobby that has been part of his life since childhood. He says his goal is to encourage greater member involvement while fostering a culture of kindness, patience and empathy throughout the society.
Supporting exhibitors and judges also remains a key priority. While some have expressed concern about the future of competitive exhibiting, MacDonald believes the hobby is evolving rather than declining, with new opportunities created through virtual engagement and initiatives such as the RPSC’s recently launched Freestyle Philately program.
Partnerships with other philatelic organizations will continue to play an important role in the society’s future. MacDonald says collaboration among clubs, societies, dealers and research organizations strengthens the hobby while volunteers remain the foundation that makes those partnerships possible.
Looking ahead, MacDonald believes growing the hobby requires expanding how organized philately welcomes new collectors. Rather than focusing solely on children, he sees opportunities to engage younger professionals, empty nesters, retirees and lifelong learners seeking new interests and a sense of community.
Throughout the interview, MacDonald emphasizes that stamps are only part of the equation. He believes organized philately succeeds because it connects people through shared knowledge, mentorship, discovery and friendship, and he encourages every collector to make a positive contribution to the hobby.
The full feature, including MacDonald’s vision for exhibiting, governance, partnerships, membership growth and the future of organized philately in Canada, appears in the latest issue of Canadian Stamp News (Vol. 50 No. 8, July 28 – Aug. 10, 2026), available now.