At 2pm on Friday January 14, 2005, Canada Post held a reception to mark the release of the new Year of the Rooster, 50c and $1.45 domestic and international rate, commemorative stamps, at the United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society (S.U.C.C.E.S.S.) offices, at 28 West Pender Street, in Vancouver's Chinatown.

Refreshments were provided and Canada Post had a retail outlet selling the various Rooster collectibles. Held in the memorably named Choi Hall of Decorum and Harmony, 100 or so guests joined Postal representatives from Canada, Hong Kong S.A.R., and Taiwan, as well as various municipal, provincial, and federal dignitaries. 

Canada Post's Bob Taylor emceed, introducing the 9th annual Lunar New Year's issue.  Federal Industry Minister David Emerson was the keynote speaker. Eleanor Smith from Canada Post also spoke. Ken Kwan from S.U.C.C.E.S.S. accepted a framed uncut press sheet of the international Rooster stamps, which was unveiled by Mr. Emerson and Ms. Smith.

While there were some freelance media types at the launch, Canada Post's focus seemed to be more on sales than promotion. 

The stamps were officially issued January 7, in anticipation of increased postal rates as of January 17th. The Lunar New Year of the Rooster begins on February 9th. According to Canada Post's Press Kit, eight million 50c versions were printed, while 1.05 million souvenir sheets were produced. 

If you look closely you will see there are actually two versions of the souvenir sheet. Presumably the half a million extra sheets are the so-called overprinted version, showing a pair of flags and the dates 1970/2005. The flags of Canada and the People's Republic of China, printed in gold on these sheets, mark 35 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Canada sent it's largest ever trade mission to China and Asia immediately following the Vancouver stamp launch.

The stamps themselves are noteworthy in part because much of the artwork was computer generated. There is some controversy over the stamps' Rooster image as it lacks an eye and thus a soul.  Past stamp launches have included signing sessions with the stamp design team. Canada Post recently began selling artist-signed material and has discontinued artist appearances at the launches to save on expenses and preserve sales opportunities. 50c souvenir First Day Covers were given away to attendees. Collectors were seen seeking autographs from local political figures instead.

The Lunar New Year Stamp Series promotes cultural understanding and the Vancouver Year of the Rooster stamp launch can only be called a S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

Newsletter 62
Huffin' and Puffin' about the Royal Canadian Mint's new Stylin'

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