Canada has introduced a new $20 banknote that features a portrait of King Charles III, making it the first Commonwealth country to place the monarch on its currency outside of Britain since his ascension to the throne. The vertical banknote is scheduled to enter circulation in early next year.
The design incorporates floral and leafy elements inspired by the King's dedication to environmental causes, according to the Bank of Canada. Wayne Long, a Liberal MP and secretary of state for the Canada Revenue Agency, stated at the unveiling that the banknote's symbols serve as a "powerful reminder of who we are as a nation and what we value." Some design elements were selected in consultation with an Indigenous advisory council.
This is the second vertical banknote issued in Canada; the first was the $10 bill featuring civil rights advocate Viola Desmond, which was recognized as the best in the world by the International Bank Note Society in 2018.
The King is Canada's head of state, represented by Governor General Mary Simon. Polling data indicates a segment of the Canadian population believes the country should sever its formal ties with the British monarchy, particularly in Quebec. However, the monarchy's popularity saw a minor increase during a period of heightened tensions between Canada and the United States, which included trade disputes and then-U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about potentially making Canada the "51st state."
Prime Minister Mark Carney had previously invited the King to open Canada's parliament in May, a visit that Carney described as underscoring the country's sovereignty.