Surrounded by the floral emblems of Canada, King Charles is
officially set to replace Queen Elizabeth II on the Canadian
twenty-dollar bank notes beginning early next year.
The Bank of
Canada officially unveiled its new design for the $20 bill at a
press conference earlier this week; the first time since 1954 that
the late queen will not feature on the bank note.
In the new bank note, King Charles is depicted surrounded by the
floral emblems of Canada’s provinces and territories with a window
that features culturally significant plants for the Indigenous
Peoples of Canada.
Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem said that “His Majesty’s
long-standing commitment to the environment is reflected in the
floral and leafy tapestry.”
On the back of the bank note, the Canadian National Vimy
Memorial, reflecting Canada’s sacrifice in the First World War, is
depicted. Macklem said, “The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is
a symbol of sacrifice. The soaring pillars and solemn sculptures
honour those who gave their lives to protect freedom, peace and
democracy.”
The Bank of Canada was founded in 1935 and introduced bank notes
that year. Princess Elizabeth, the nine-year-old princess who was
not yet heiress, was featured on the $20 bill and then replaced
beginning in 1937 by her father, King George VI. It wasn’t until
1954, to coincide with her new reign, that Queen Elizabeth II was
restored to the $20 bill.
Also attending the press conference were Canada’s Governor
General, Her Excellency Louise Arbour, and Canada’s Minister of
Finance and National Revenue, The Honourable François-Philippe
Champagne.
Her Excellency said that “I am honoured to mark this
historic moment on [King Charles’s] behalf, as governor
general.”
“The new $20 note reflects important parts of who we are as
Canadians, honouring our Commonwealth roots and our ties with
international allies. It honours our constitutional traditions
through the portrait of His Majesty King Charles III and recognizes
the service and sacrifice of Canadians through the Vimy Memorial, a
symbol that continues to resonate across generations,” said
Champagne.
The monarch’s portrait is struck on all Canadian coins as well,
with King Charles’s portrait already in circulation. His portrait
is also on
UK coins and bank notes.
The Bank of Canada revealed that the King Charles III bills will
begin entering circulation beginning February 2027.
