Today, Canada Post issued two domestic rate stamps (54-cent) as part of an international postal awareness campaign on the effects of global warming. The theme of the campaign is "Preserve the Polar Regions and Glaciers." Canada Post's contribution to this omnibus issue focuses on the risk to Arctic animal habitats.

As polar ice melts, many animals are in danger of extinction as their natural habitats disappear, their food chain is disrupted and their migratory patterns are disturbed. "Canada Post is proud to be one of 27 postal administrations participating in this international awareness campaign, which was initiated by Chili and Finland", said Alain Leduc, Canada Post Manager of Stamp Products. "We know that Canadians are very concerned about the environment, so it seems only fitting that we are participating in this important stamp issue that involved countries from around the globe."

Both stamps feature spectacular wildlife photograph. One depicts the regal polar bear, whose habitat is already at risk. The second stamp features the majestic Arctic Tern, which serves as a link between North and South Poles, since it migrates every year between the two.

"The stamps show the brilliant work of photographers Amanda Byrd, Michael Quinton, Paul Nicken, Arthur Morris, Ralph Eldridge and Jan Will," said stamp designer Tiit Telmet of Toronto's Telmet Design Associates. In addition to the polar bear and Arctic Tern, the Official First Day Cover showcases penguins in the Antarctic, while the souvenir sheet includes photos of the Arctic Fox and Antarctica's Emperor Penguins.

About the stamps

The 54-cent stamps each measure 42 mm x 28 mm (horizontal) with 13+ perforations. Lowe-Martin printed 2 million stamps that will be sold in a pane of 16. The P.V.A. gum stamps will be printed using lithography in six colours on Tullis Russell paper. They are general tagged on all sides. The Official First Day Cover will bear the cancel EUREKA NUNAVUT, the home of Canada's most northerly post office.

Additional information about Canadian stamps can be found in the News section of Canada Post's website, and photos of these new stamps are 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.

Source: pr-canada.net