The federal government is looking to leverage underutilized properties owned by Canada Post and National Defence to address the pressing issues of affordability and supply in the housing market. Outlined in the recent federal budget release, the initiative aims to unlock land currently held by both organizations, facilitating the construction of housing at an unprecedented pace and scale. The objective is to bridge the housing gap, particularly for younger Canadians striving to enter the real estate market. In addition to existing measures like extended amortization periods for first-time buye ..read more

Among the esteemed ranks of Linn’s Stamp News 2024 “Most Influential Companies in Philately,” four Canadian stamp firms proudly claim their place. Adding to the prestigious list of 14 auction houses, 53 dealers, and 10 postal administrations are Vance Auctions Ltd., New Brunswick’s Gary J. Lyon Philatelists / Eastern Auctions, Ottawa’s Christopher Green Ltd., and Canada Post. Vance Carmichael expresses his deep honour at being chosen as one of North America’s foremost stamp companies. Founded in 1972, Vance Auctions has been a cornerstone of the industry, with Carmichael’s expertise honed thro ..read more

Canada Post has released new stamps that spotlight two endangered frog species native to the country. The stamps highlight the Oregon spotted frog and Fowler’s toad, both listed as endangered in Canada due to factors like habitat loss from human activities, invasive species, and pollution. Fowler’s toads, scientifically known as Anaxyrus fowleri, are found exclusively along the north shore of Lake Erie in Ont., particularly favoring sandy beaches and dunes. These mainly nocturnal creatures also inhabit various parts of the eastern United States. Adult Fowler’s toads typically measure between f ..read more

Six letters penned by Nova Scotia folk artist Maud Lewis to London, Ontario artist John Kinnear are set to embark on a new journey this Saturday as they hit the auction block. Their exchange of heartfelt correspondence transcended geographical boundaries, forging a connection between them. Now, six of Lewis’s missives to Kinnear from 1966 to 1967 are slated for auction by Miller & Miller Auctions Ltd., with an estimated value ranging between $4,000 and $6,000 for the entire collection. Online bidding is currently open. The genesis of this compassionate exchange can be traced back to a feat ..read more

Stamp collectors and enthusiasts can anticipate an insightful event as the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada, in collaboration with Longley Auctions, presents Stamp Panels on April 15 at 7 p.m. EDT. Three distinguished panelists will share their expertise and passion for thematic collections, promising an engaging discussion for philatelists of all levels. One of the panelists, Norma Nielson, brings a wealth of experience as a general collector of U.S. and Canadian stamps. Nielson’s eclectic interests have earned her recognition, with awarded exhibits such as “The Story of Lloyd’s: From Coffe ..read more

The American Philatelic Society (APS)  is taking another step to promote the hobby of stamp collecting by offering complimentary “seed packets” of stamps to new members throughout the month of April. Prospective members who join the APS during April will receive a free assortment of worldwide stamps to kickstart their collections. The introductory membership rate for U.S.-based members is set at $25.50 until the end of 2024, while digital membership is available for $20.50. For those not interested in collecting worldwide stamps, the APS encourages them to pay it forward by sharing their ..read more

The U.S. Postal Service has unveiled plans to pay tribute to baseball icon Henry “Hank” Aaron through a new Forever stamp. This stamp serves as a homage to Aaron (1934–2021), a towering figure in both the sporting realm and beyond, who transcended barriers of race and humble beginnings to etch his name into the annals of baseball history. Featuring a digital portrait of Aaron during his tenure with the Atlanta Braves, the stamp showcases his iconic right-handed batting stance, capturing his essence from the waist up. Additionally, the stamp’s border displays a digital depiction of Aaron observ ..read more

The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC) is introducing a new initiative aimed at advancing education and bolstering philatelic exhibitions. Aligned with the RPSC’s dedication to prioritizing education, Canada’s stamp club is launching a free web course designed to provide collectors of all levels and interests with a fun introduction to the world of stamp exhibition. The three-part course, scheduled on successive Tuesdays in May (May 14, 21, and 28), will commence at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Society president Gregg Redner expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. “One of the societal priorities ..read more

The sign stands proudly along one of Mississauga’s busiest roads, inviting passing motorists and pedestrians to the upcoming National Postage Stamp and Coin Show at the Hilton Mississauga. This two-day extravaganza kicks off this Saturday at 10 a.m., offering a delightful array of attractions: Complimentary parking Free copies of Canadian Coin News and Canadian Stamp News Saturday admission at just $6, and Sunday entry absolutely free (courtesy of R. Maresch & Son, celebrating their 100th anniversary at the show) Over 50 professional coin and stamp dealers from across Canada, engaged in b ..read more

Canada Post issued today a commemorative envelope marking the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). While thousands of Canadians served in the British flying services during the First World War, it wasn’t until after the war that military aviation became a permanent part of Canada’s defence organization. In 1920, the government authorized a temporary Canadian Air Force, and members served on a part-time basis. After receiving the “Royal” designation from King George V, the RCAF became a permanent component of the Canadian military on April 1, 1924. The RCAF is tasked with d ..read more