Family or School Outing

In 1989, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1994 International Year of the Family (IYF) based on the theme of Family: Resources and Responsibilities in a Changing World. In recognition of the importance of the family in today's society, Canada Post Corporation will issue a beautifully rendered five-stamp souvenir sheet on June 2, 1994. Suggesting a family or school outing, the second stamp shows adults in company of chifldren. There is a child in a wheelchair, a possible reference to institutional care. The vignettes bordering the stamp reflect different ethnic and social backgrounds. The Canadian designer Suzanne Duranceau has included the official emblem of the Year of the Family, designed by Swiss artist Catherine Littasy-Rollier, at the bottom and in the centre of the sheet. The symbol represents a heart sheltered by a roof ... "linked by another heart to symbolize life and love in a home where one finds warmth, caring, security, togetherness, tolerance and acceptance... The open design is meant to indicate continuity with a hint of uncertainty. The brushstroke, with its open line roof, completes an abstract symbol representing the complexity of the family". Below it, mention of the Year appears in six different languages, as requested by the United Nations. The first principle of Guiding Principles for IYF Committees declares that the family constitutes the basic unit of society. It warrants attention, protection and assistance so families can exercise their responsibilities within the community. The second principle pertains to the diversity of forms and functions of the family in various countries. These express individual preferences and societal conditions. Principle three is linked to the basic human rights and freedoms accorded to individuals, whatever their status within the family and the form and condition of that family unit. Fostering equality between men and women within families to contribute a fuller sharing of domestic responsibilities and employment opportunities is the fourth principle. The fifth principle aims to support families through programmes promoting their strengths and self-reliance. The Canadian Committee for the IYF and other groups will be organizing activities to increase awareness of family issues in Government and the private sector.