An exciting opportunity is available to the collecting community to have input on the design of Canada’s banknote for the country’s 150th birthday in 2017.
The Bank of Canada is inviting all Canadians to “propose ideas” for the commemorative note — to join only two other special commemorate notes Canada has issued: one in 1935 for King George V’s Silver Jubilee and one in 1967 for Canada’s 100th birthday.
“We hope you’ll contribute ideas towards this celebratory banknote,” the Bank states in a release on its website. “Spread the word and share this page with your family and friends. Tell us what makes you proud to be Canadian, what would best represent Canada’s 150th and what you’d like to see highlighted on this commemorative note. Fill out the questionnaire by 8 January 2015.”
The Bank says the ideas must be in keeping with its principles for banknote design and must represent the specific theme for this special note – the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
This opportunity certainly has the attention of a current petition requesting the Bank of Canada add women from Canadian history on Canada’s banknotes. More than 52,000 people have signed the petition to date and famous women such as Laura Secord, Agnes MacPhail and Emily Carr have been suggested for Canada’s banknotes.
While Queen Elizabeth II appears on $20 notes, there are no women from Canadian history on this country’s bills.
It its release, the Bank states that “a summary of the input received from Canadians through various means will be published at the end of the consultation period.”
It says ideas for theme, subject matter and images will be gathered from the public and other key stakeholders. The Bank will also seek advice from subject-matter experts. The designs proposed to the Minister of Finance will be those that best meet the above criteria. The Minister of Finance is responsible for approving any new banknote design in accordance with the Bank of Canada Act.