This 1973 Canadian First Day Cover features the 8¢ stamp honoring François-Xavier de Montmorency-Laval de Montigny (1623–1708), issued by Canada Post on January 31, 1973, in Ottawa, Ontario. The cover displays a block of four stamps with bilingual “Day of Issue / Jour d’émission” overprint and a cachet produced by Ashton-Potter Limited, Toronto, with design by Michael Fog and Gerry Lorange.
Laval was the first Roman Catholic bishop of Quebec and a pivotal figure in the religious and educational development of New France. His efforts established the Seminary of Quebec and laid foundations for the Université Laval, shaping French-Canadian culture and institutions that endure today.
A notable detail is the striking blue portrait design repeated across the block, emphasizing Laval’s profile against a minimalist background. The bilingual typography and official Ottawa postmark tie the cover directly to its first-day city.
Collectors will appreciate the clean condition, crisp Ottawa circular date stamp, and the attractive block format, making this an appealing addition for Canadian postal history or religious-themed FDC collections.
