News releases

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ontario – Today, Canada Post unveiled a new Black History Month stamp honouring Chloe Cooley, who had a profound impact on the history of enslavement in Canada. Her act of resistance on the evening of March 14, 1793, ushered in legislation that would lead to the gradual abolition of enslavement in Upper Canada and provide a refuge for freedom-seekers from abroad.

SAINT JOHN, NB and ATHABASCA, AB – The challenges faced by two waves of Black immigrants from the United States in the early 19th and early 20th centuries come to light in a pair of stamps issued this month by Canada Post. These stamps – the 13th issue in our Black History Month series – celebrate the hope and perseverance of the Black pioneers who founded Willow Grove, New Brunswick, and Amber Valley, Alberta.

Canada Post issues a stamp honouring Albert Jackson, thought to be the first Black letter carrier in Canada. Jackson earned his appointment to the civil service in 1882, but faced racism from his colleagues, media and members of the public as he pursued what ultimately turned out to be a successful 36-year career with the postal service.

Canada Post is marking upcoming Black History Month with stamps for 2018 celebrating Lincoln M. Alexander and Kathleen (Kay) Livingstone, two prominent Black Canadians who shattered barriers for visible minorities in Canada. The stamps will be available for purchase at postal outlets and canadapost.ca/blackhistory beginning February 1, the start of Black History Month in Canada.