2007 Canadian Stamp Issues: A Year of Art and Heritage
The year 2007 was a prolific period for Canadian philately, characterized by a diverse array of themes ranging from cultural celebrations and national heritage to environmental conservation. These stamps serve as miniature canvases, utilizing advanced printing techniques to commemorate the people, places, and species that define the Canadian identity.
Most of the year's releases relied on lithography—a printing process based on the immiscibility of oil and water—often utilizing between 4 and 10 colors to achieve rich, detailed imagery. A significant portion of the production was handled by Tullis Russell Coatings, ensuring a consistent quality across various denominations.
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Key Facts
- Diverse Themes: Issues covered the Lunar Year of the Pig, Canadian recording artists, endangered species, and national parks.
- Technical Precision: Most stamps used multi-color lithography, with some featuring specialized foil stampings, embossing, or holographic elements.
- Broad Denominations: Values ranged from low-value definitives (1 cent) to higher-rate stamps ($1.60).
- Regional Representation: First Day Cover cancellations occurred in cities across the country, from Igloolik, NU, to Vancouver, BC.
Cultural and National Commemorations
The year began with a nod to tradition and celebration. The Year of the Pig stamps, issued on January 5, featured designs by John Belisle and Kosta Tsetsekas, utilizing 8-color lithography and two foil stampings. This was followed by a series of academic and institutional tributes, including HEC Montreal and the University of Saskatchewan.
Architecture played a prominent role in May 2007, with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada celebrating its centenary (1907–2007). This series highlighted iconic structures such as the University of Lethbridge, St. Mary's Church, the Ontario Science Centre, and the National Art Gallery of Canada.
Celebrating Canadian Talent
June 2007 saw a tribute to the Canadian music industry. The "Canadian Recording Artists" series honored four legendary figures: Paul Anka, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, and Anne Murray. These stamps were printed using 9-color lithography on Lowe-Martin paper, showcasing the global impact of Canadian music.
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Nature and Environmental Awareness
Canada's vast wilderness and fragile ecosystems were central themes throughout the summer and autumn. The national park series featured Terra Nova and Jasper, while the "Endangered Species" set issued on October 1 brought attention to the Leatherback Turtle, White Sturgeon, North Atlantic Right Whale, and Northern Cricket Frog.
Beneficial Insects and Flora
In October, a set of low-value definitives (stamps intended for regular, long-term use) focused on beneficial insects, including the Hippodamia Convergens and Bombus Polaris. The year concluded in December with a stunning series of orchids, such as the Odontioda Island Red and Masdevallia Kaleidoscope Conni.
Technical Specifications Summary
| Issue Date | Theme | Denomination | Printing Process | Paper/Printer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Jan 2007 | Year of the Pig | 52¢ / $1.55 | 8-color Lithography + Foil | Tullis Russell |
| 29 Jun 2007 | Recording Artists | 52¢ | 9-color Lithography | Lowe-Martin |
| 1 Oct 2007 | Endangered Species | 52¢ | 8-color Lithography | Tullis Russell |
| 12 Oct 2007 | Beneficial Insects | 1¢ to 25¢ | 5-color Lithography | Tullis Russell |
| 27 Dec 2007 | Queen Elizabeth II | Permanent | 5-color Lithography | Canadian Bank Note |
Frequently Asked Questions
What printing techniques were used for the 2007 stamps?
The majority of the stamps were produced using lithography with varying color counts (from 3 to 10). Special effects included foil stampings for the Year of the Pig, embossing for Captain George Vancouver, and holographic stamping for the Christmas Reindeer stamp.
Who were the featured Canadian Recording Artists in 2007?
The series honored four iconic artists: Paul Anka, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, and Anne Murray.
Which endangered species were highlighted in the October 1st issue?
The issue featured the Leatherback Turtle, the White Sturgeon, the North Atlantic Right Whale, and the Northern Cricket Frog.
What are "definitives" in the context of these stamps?
Definitives are stamps produced in large quantities for everyday postal use over a long period, as opposed to commemorative stamps which are issued for a limited time to mark a specific event. Examples from 2007 include the Queen Elizabeth II and Lighthouse series.
Where were the First Day Cover cancellations for the Lighthouse series held?
The First Day Cover cancellations for the Flag (Lighthouses) series were all held in Sambro, Nova Scotia.