The use of machines to cancel mail began in Canada in 1896 with the Imperial machines, at Montreal and Ottawa. These were replaced in 1897 by Bickerdike machines and extended to Toronto and Hamilton. By 1902, the Bickerdike machines were nearing the end of their contract and were replaced by much faster machines made by the International Postal Supply Co. The International machines were used at many offices throughout Canada and Newfoundland, and they survived in most cases until June 1919, when they were replaced by Universal machines, as well as by some Columbia machines. However, as early as 1910, there were trial uses of Universal machines, followed by regular use at a number of offices across Canada.

The databases of the early machine cancellations are under varied states of development. The webmaster would be pleased to speak with any PHSC member about improving the presentation.