Exploration

Canada Post Corporation is proud to support CANADA 92, World Philatelic Youth Exhibition organized by the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada, with the participation of the Fédération québécoise de philatélie and under the patronage of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie. The event is being held at the Palais de Congrès in Montreal from March 25-29, aiding in the celebrations surrounding the 350th anniversary of the founding of the city. On opening day, four commemorative stamps and a companion souvenir sheet will be issued depicting the exhibition's theme: Exploration and Discovery. Two 42-cent se tenant stamps will focus on the 350th anniversary of the founding of Montreal, while a 48-cent will honour explorer Jacques Cartier and a 84-cent value will pay tribute to Christopher Columbus on the 500th anniversary of his discovery of America. The U.S. rate stamp commemorates the voyages of Jacques Cartier, who in 1534 began exploring Canada. Although his ships had brought his crew across the Atlantic and up the St. Lawrence as far as Lac St-Pierre, they were of limited use for inland exploration. They had to rely on the co-operation of the Amerindians not only to serve as guides but to teach them how to survive in hostile territory. Only with this guidance could the newcomers learn to tame the vast wilderness that was Canada. On his second voyage in 1535, Cartier reached Hochelaga (Montreal), spending time on what was referred to as the "Kingdom of Canada". The name Canada is believed derived from the Huron word, "Kanata".