Canada's Excellence in Foreign Affairs and International Trade Celebrated With Stamp

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Jun 01 (MARKET WIRE) --
Today, Canada Post issued a domestic rate stamp celebrating the centenary
of the creation of the country's Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade (DFAIT). Canada is recognized for its work in
promoting freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. It is a
founding member of the United Nations (UN) as well as an active member of
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Commonwealth, and La
Francophonie.

"Canada has a long and proud tradition on the world's diplomatic stage. I
am delighted that Canada Post is issuing a stamp to commemorate the
promotion of Canadian values and diplomacy abroad," said The Honourable
Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport). Minister Merrifield was
pleased to be joined by Minister Lawrence Cannon for the official
unveiling ceremony of the "Canadian Diplomacy" stamp.

Founded one hundred years ago, the department, first known as the
Department of External Affairs, began life with offices over a barbershop
in Ottawa. It is now respected worldwide for its forward-thinking
dynamism. "Canada today is a byword around the globe for trustworthiness
and common-sense impartiality," said Moya Greene, President and Chief
Executive Officer at Canada Post. "The enormous respect held for our
country is due to a great extent to the professionalism, excellence and
talent exhibited over the years by the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade."

The stamp's unique and intriguing design depicts a Canadian flag and a
world globe intersecting midway. "We wanted to capture the philosophy of
the department that has driven Canada's growing role on the world's
diplomatic stage for the past century," explains David Craib, Creative
Director at Ottawa's Parable Communications. "The intersection between
these two symbols represents the fusion of global activities and
sensitivities with our national identity, culture and ingenuity."

The 54-cent stamp measures 36 mm x 25.5 mm (horizontal) with 13+
perforations. Lowe-Martin printed 1.75 million stamps, which will be sold
in panes of 16. The P.V.A. gum stamp was printed using lithography in
seven colours plus varnish on Tullis Russell paper. They are general
tagged on four sides. The Official First Day Cover will bear the cancel
OTTAWA ON.

Additional information about Canadian stamps can be found in the News
section of Canada Post's website, and a photo of this new stamp is also
available. Stamps and other products will be available at participating
post offices, or can be ordered online by following the links at Canada
Post's website www.canadapost.ca/collection, or by mail order from the
National Philatelic Centre. From Canada and the USA, call toll-free: 1
800 565-4362, and from other countries, call: 902 863-6550.

Contacts:
Canada Post
Nicole Lemire
613-734-8888
nicole.lemire@canadapost.ca

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