This stamp issue explores the history of civilian internment in Canada, in which many thousands of civilians were unjustly interned in camps across the country during both world wars – and even peacetime.

Canada Post hopes to raise awareness about this history and the resilience of the people and communities whose lives were profoundly affected by this forced displacement, confinement and hardship.

This stamp issue reminds us of our responsibility to learn from the past and build a future rooted in compassion and justice. It honours the many lives and communities impacted by internment.

Good to know

Official First Day Cover, cancelled in Petawawa, Ontario, where civilian internment operations were carried out during both world wars.

Internment in Canada

During past international conflicts – and even in peacetime – Canada confined or detained thousands of people in camps across the country. Internees were denied their civil liberties in the stated interest of domestic security. This internment was often accompanied by forced labour and mostly targeted immigrant communities. During the First World War and following the armistice, Canada interned more than 8,500 people, including more than 200 women and children who voluntarily chose to stay with their male relatives. At least 100 detainees died. In the Second World War, Canada interned thousands more civilians, confiscating property and imposing forced labour.

In both world wars, tens of thousands of people were forced to register with and regularly report to the authorities. These measures mainly affected immigrants from states legally at war with Britain and its allies, as well as their Canadian-born children. They had to adhere to restrictions on their freedom of speech, movement and association. These restrictions could apply to anyone that Canada mistrusted, including homeless people, conscientious objectors and other “subversives.” Efforts to achieve official recognition for these abuses and injustices continue today.

About the design

The cover of the OFDC features a photograph of the Camp 33 internment camp near Petawawa, Ontario, in 1940.
Civilian internment operations were carried out at Petawawa during both world wars.

Product # 414284131

Internment: Official First Day Cover