Collector’s Corner: Putting a stamp on Canada’s 150th

By Medicine Hat News on February 17, 2018.

For Canada’s 150th year celebration, Canada Post has produced a series of noteworthy stamps highlighting certain events. Between 1967 and 2016, we have enjoyed accomplishments of Canadians across the country and have shown this by issuing a special set of 10 stamps. Each of these stamps tells its own story, and no matter which part of the country we live in, there is a changing scene of diversification and ambition to put it all together.

1. 1967 Expo Montreal

Well known architect Mosche Safdie’s work at Montreal’s World Trade Fair is now shown to us with this 150th stamp.

2. 1971 Trans-Canada highway

The Trans-Canada Highway, which started construction in 1950, was a major undertaking to link Newfoundland and British Columbia together. This highway runs through all 10 provinces with many connections to different parts of the U.S.A. Also, there are many locations where travellers can access more northern parts of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

The Trans-Canada was completed in 1971, but many sections remained two lanes until the mid 1950s.

3. 1972 Hockey Summit Series

International Hockey until 1972 was a distant cry, but with approval of professional hockey, it all changed with the Canada-Russian series in September 1972. The legendary hockey games of 1972 opened the door for Olympic and professional games. Canadian hockey will always provide the right stuff.

4. 1980 Marathon of Hope

This stamp was issued to commemorate the Terry Fox Run across Canada. An attempt that very few would have considered a possibility even in good health. Terry Fox gave this challenge everything he had, only to be unable to complete, but covered 5,373 km in 143 days to arrive at Thunder Bay, Ont., before being forced to retire. The stamp for the Marathon of Hope was issued on May 25, 2017 at St. John’s Nfld., with Terry’s sister, and Mayor Dennis O’Keefe.

5. 1981 Canadarm

It was Nov. 13, 1981, when the Canadarm went into action on board space shuttle Columbia. The space shuttle program ended in 2011. Since 2011, a new Canadarm 2 has been developed. The new robotic arm is located on the international space station. On April 28, 2017, Jeremy Hansen unveiled the Canadarm stamp in Toronto at Glen Ames Public School.

6. 1982 The Constitution

This stamp was a signification of Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau signing the new Constitution Act of 1982 in Ottawa on April 17. The new Constitution of 1982, replaces the original British North American Act of 1867, when Canada was founded as a self-governing country. Today the Canadian government can change and amend the Charter of Rights and Freedom, and has the right to affirm all individuals equally.

7. 1999 Nunavut

It was April 1, 1999, that the Nunavut territory joined Canada. This vast land was the largest Aboriginal claim incorporated into Canada. This land represents an area one-fifth of all Canada and has become the fastest population growth. It covers much of the Arctic and most northernly inhabitance. This stamp was unveiled May 30, 2017 at the Legislative Assembly in Iqaluit.

8. 2005 Marriage Equality

The Civil Marriage Act has given the right for same gender couples to marry in 2005. This stamp was unveiled by Canada Post on May 9, 2017. Today this union of couples is in agreement with the Candian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. On July 12, 2003, the Ontario Superior Court ruled the legal right to change. On July 20, 2005, the Federal Civil Marriage Act became law, and Canada was the fourth country to achieve equality in same gender marriages.

9. 1976-2016 Olympic Games

Canadian athletes have shown over the years that they are every bit as good on the world scene as anyone else. Our stamps and stories portray a colourful time in our Olympic history. Each even has been a credit to our country, and without the support and training, we would not be in a medal contention position.

10. 1976-2010 Paralympic Glory

Canada has hosted two Paralympic Games, one in Tel Aviv, Israel 1976, and Vancouver in 2010. The summer Olympics in Israel, Canada sent 22 wheelchair athletes. In 2010 the winter games in Vancouver, Paraalpine skier Lauren Woolstencroft was the first to win five gold medals, and paranordic skier Brian McKeever earned three gold medals, for a total of 13 medals to his name.

Basil Dodd and Patricia Dennis are members of the Medicine Hat Coin and Stamp Club.