A perfect 10
For only the fourth time in its history, the Bank of Canada has issued a commemorative bank note marking a major historic milestone.
The new bank note is celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday.
The new $10 bill was unveiled at a press conference in Charlottetown on Monday at Confederation Centre of the Arts, just steps away from where the Fathers of Confederation met.
Monique LeBlanc, regional director with the Bank of Canada, said 40 million of the notes were produced and went into circulation on June 1.
“It’s extremely unique,’’ she said. “We’ve never had four portraits on a bank note before . . . (and) it’s only the fourth one we’ve ever issued.’’
The portraits feature the images of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister; Sir George-Étienne Cartier, a Father of Confederation; Agnes MacPhail, the first woman elected to the House of Commons; and James Gladstone, Canada’s first senator of First Nations origin. The Bank of Canada also issued commemorative notes for Expo 67, King George V’s 25th year of accession to the throne in 1935 and in 2015 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s historic reign.
LeBlanc said the note incorporates lots of public feedback.
“Back in 2014, we did a broadbased public consultation with Canadians coast to coast in various ways. We made it possible for Canadians to go to our website to provide their ideas that way, and then we took all these ideas together and we went back and asked Canadians did we get it right.’’
The names of all provinces and territories are on the note. Features also include the Hall of Honour and the Memorial Chamber Arch from Parliament Hill. Cultural features include the assumption sash pattern, an important symbol of the Metis people, the maple leaf border and images of Canada from west to east.
The Guardian showed the note to people around Confederation Centre of the Arts following the press conference. Early impressions were good.
“I think it looks amazing,’’ said Grace Allison of Newmarket, Ont.
“We actually have, tucked away in our safety deposit box, Expo 67 dollar bills, so we’ll add it to our collection when we pick one up.’’
Her husband, Joe, agrees. “I think it’s pretty neat, particularly to incorporate so much of Canada on the note from West to East. It’s very significant,’’ Joe said.
Grace added that their visit to P.E.I. is helping them get into the Canada 150 spirit.
“Now that we’re down here (in P.E.I.), we feel we’ve captured a little bit of the excitement around it. It’s a good feeling.’’