Canada Summit FDC

Canada FDC
Name: XII Summit of la Francophonie
Date of Issue: 15 October 2008

As it celebrates the 400th anniversary of its founding, Québec City hosted the XII Summit of la Francophonie from October 17 to 19, 2008. Considered the birthplace of French culture in North America, the city welcomed 68 heads of State and member governments of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). Aware of the important role that French language and culture play in its national life, Canada was one of the founders of the Agence de coopération culturelle et technique (ACCT), which later became the OIF. This marks the third summit to take place in Canada, with past summits held in Québec City in 1987 and Moncton in 1999.

The OIF's mission is to promote peace, democracy and human rights. This organization makes a major contribution to education, training and research, and is committed to fighting poverty through a strategy of sustainable development and solidarity.

Canadians take pride in welcoming representatives of the XII Summit of la Francophonie, as they add an important page to Canada's history.

The stamp features a striking photograph of Québec City with rich magentas and oranges worked into the background—colours inspired by the Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec's campaign colours. The skyline of the stamp includes the names of all participating countries, and the image of downtown Québec showcases some of the city's most stunning architecture and overlooks the St. Lawrence River.

Designer Ian Drolet explains the design by blending two concepts, "The names of the participating countries listed across the top capture this international aspect, including the sense of solidarity upon which the OIF is founded. Meanwhile, the photograph of Québec City in the background evokes the city's role as the cradle of French civilization in North America."

Comment: This is the first time that I see most countries' name on a single stamp, is that a Guinness World Records? How many? Please enlarge the image and count it by yourself!