Addressing Envelopes

To address a business envelope...
  • The return address (the name and address of the person sending the letter) is printed in block letters on the top left-hand corner of the envelope.

  • The mailing address (the name and address of the person to whom the letter is being sent) is printed in block letters in the centre of the envelope.

  • Punctuation (such as commas and periods) should not be used unless they are part of a place name (ST. JOHN'S).

  • The two-letter abbreviation for the province name (AB) should be used wherever possible; abbreviations for street (ST), avenue (AVE), and boulevard (BLVD) should also be used.  

AbbreviationProvince 
ABAlberta
BCBritish Columbia
MBManitoba
NBNew Brunswick
NFLNewfoundland and Labrador
NSNova Scotia
NTNorthwest Territories
NUNunavut
ONOntario
PEIPrince Edward Island
QCQuébec
SKSaskatchewan
YTYukon

Sample Business Letter Envelope





For more information, refer to the "Addressing Guidelines" in the Canada Postal Guide at the following website:

The Provincial Achievement Test for Language Arts 9 will require students to write a business letter in correct format and to address the envelope appropriately. This is important.

    For extra practice and preparation for June PATs, click here to access released sample questions and to view student writing samples.