Jet Aircraft

This stamp has a hidden date on the left side of the building.

This stamp is the first eight cent issue Canada has produced since September 16th, 1946. It is the "child of necessity" in that a stamp of this denomination became mandatory when Canada increased the rate of Air Mail to the United States to eight cents for the first ounce and six cents for each additional ounce on July 15th, 1964. In addition to facilitating the prepayment of Air Mail letters to the United States, this stamp will also be used for other purposes, such as parcel post and for first class letters weighing between, one and two ounces for delivery in Canada. The design of this stamp is the same as that of the seven cent regular issue which was released on March 11th, 1964, except that the numeral seven has been replaced by an eight. The Canadian Bank Note Company, which engraved and printed the seven cent issue, reworked the design to make this change. Between July 15th, when the rate change went into effect, and today, when the reworked stamp first appears, the Post Office Department has been providing an overprinted stamp with the seven defaced and an eight printed above it. The central feature of the design is a modern inter-city jet aircraft taking off from a Canadian terminal. The purpose is choosing this motif was the underscore the importance of aeroplanes and air travel in this country. Canada's centres of commerce and industry are scattered throughout the length of the land. The rapid communication of air travel is a vital link in the life of the country. Canada's northern land is rich in timber, minerals and hydro power, and is being rapidly developed. Such hamessing of natural resources to man's benefit would not be possible without the contribution of the aeroplane. The increasing importance of air transportation within our boundaries reflects the continued growth and expansion of Canada.