Unannounced Canadian Issues

I just today received my pane of Tommy Douglas stamps issued (as a surprise to me) June 29/12.

A call to the National Philatelic Centre gets me the info that they were not announced in the April-June "Details".

I was also informed that CFL commemorative strips were also released June 29th. (Also, not announced in the same "Details")

The Douglas and CFL stamps are announced in the July-Sept "Details".

For those of us who make our own FDCs, this is disappointing.

But, it is not surprising.

The Canada Post Stamp Selection Committee has informed me several times that they need three years lead-time before deciding on stamp designs and issuing them.

The committee has made itself to appear to be inflexible on this policy, even though exceptions to the rule have been made......examples: Romeo Leblanc commemorative, Olympic Gold, Photo Contest, Mental Health, Royal Wedding, etc.

Now, it looks like CP will issue anything, anytime for any reason.

On a positive note: full marks to the CP brain-trust for being able to change policy so quickly, so often, while maintaining it can't be done.

Make your FDC's, borrow your local post office's date stamp, set it for June 29th., and voila, you've got what you want.

Yes, BlackJag........I've done that and will try to do it in the future.
It all depends on who is on the counter that day.
I have a good relationship with some at the local PO; but, there are those "not in my contract" types who won't let me be alone with the hand-stamp.

I see the July-Sept "Details" shows a "gone crazy" batch of issues in August for CFL teams.
I'm not ready to jump on the CFL Rah Rah Rah band-wagon, yet........but, it looks like I'll have to if I want to keep up my home-made FDC collection.
It is going to get expensive buying all those booklets and strips, though.

Then, there's the upcoming Astrological Signs issue........a really relevant one for Canadian symbolism. I'll probably buy a booklet while on my way to the fortune-teller.......or, pick up one on the way back from my weekly seance with MacKenzie King and his mother.

Wow ....I am very disappointed with he latest programs and lack of originality. Issuing 9 + 8 plus a bunch of diff formats of 1 theme does not make up for it.