Queen Elizabeth II

This stamp completes the low denomination regular issue series started in October 1962. The design, showing Her Majesty in a simple almost classic style was executed by Mr. Ernst Roch of Montreal. As in previous stamps in this series there is a symbol in the upper left corner representative of one of the sectors of Canada's economy. The tree on the 2-cent stamp is symbolic of forest products and forestry. The British North America Act gives responsibility for forests to the Provinces. Over 1,711,893 square miles or approximately 48% of Canada's land mass is covered by forest. In 1960 in recognition of the importance of forestry to the country the federal government established a Department of Forestry. This Department works with the Provinces to provide the most effective conservation and utilization of the country's forests. Often when we think of forests we think only of lumbering. The other products which our forests produce are forgotten. During the last few years, however, there has been a growing recognition of the use of forest products in other areas. The development and manufacturing of cellulose products have extended the use of wood and the increasing production of plastic-wood products, fibreboard and laminated wood have resulted in a greater use of our trees particularly those which up to now have been classified as inferior grades of wood. Thus Canada has been able to make more complete utilization of forest resources and the elimination of much waste.