My Canada

 Canada Mamals 1997-8 

The $8 Grizzly Bear was the first stamp in this series, destined to replace the Architecture series. This extremely attractive stamp with the finely engraved animal is the largest definitive stamp ever produced by Canada (64mm x 48.9mm), and also the highest in face value. It is also unique in that it was issued in miniature sheets of four, rather than the traditional format of 25 or more stamps per pane. The stamp has several security features incorporated into it. The number 8 has been incorporated into the bear's rear right limb, the green grass and blue sky have been printed using tiny bear images, and the two lines below CANADA actually consist of the words "MAILPOSTE" engraved repetitively.

 On October 4, 2010 Canada Post issue a new $10 definitive stamp depicting the world's largest creature, the Blue Whale (Balænoptera musculus).The mammal weighs between 80 and 180 metric tonnes and reaches lengths of more than 30 metres. It can travel at speeds of 33 km/hr, accelerating to 48 km/hr when chased, making it among the fastest of whale species.In Canada, the blue whale roams the waters along the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence near eastern Nova Scotia, the south coast of Newfoundland, and in the Davis Strait between Baffin Island and Greenland. In the west it habits the coast of British Columbia.The stamp is the largest in size and highest denomination Canada Post has ever produced. The stamp measures 128mm x 48mm (approximately 5" x 2").It was produced using a combination of intaglio (for the whale in the foreground) and offset lithography (for the colours in the background).  

 Please Note that the above images are not actual size and are copyright Canada Post 2011 Illustrated for your viewing pleasure.

Data suplied by kind permission BRC Stamps Canada

http://www.brcstamps.com/candef.html