Queen Elizabeth II

Definitive stamps generally display the finest that the nation has to offer. The new definitives thus present something of the beauty of Canada's environment. They also illustrate a symbol of our glorious political heritage of freedom and order. The 20th century has been unkind to monarchies. In 1900, most people lived under such governments; today, few royal houses retain their thrones and many are lucky to have retained their heads. The survival of the monarchy in Canada is therefore a tribute to the country's political stability and an acknowledgement that sovereigns and their personal representatives, the governors-general and lieutenant governors, have contributed much to our society. The demonstrations of warmth and affection by Canadians during the Silver Jubilee indicate how successfully Queen Elizabeth II is carrying on this tradition of service. The 14-cent stamp, bearing a bas-relief portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, feature the same basic designs used for the 1977 12-cent definitives, but with a change of colour. The stamp featuring Her Majesty was designed by Heather Cooper. The bas-relief portrait, by Toronto sculptor Jaroslav Huta, was based on a photographic study of the Queen by British photographer Peter Grugeon.