The previous Canadian note series was introduced 15 years
earlier. Significant
technological advances in bank note production since then have made it possible
for the Bank to incorporate
better security features into paper currency. This
comes at a time when affordable high-resolution colour copiers, inkjet printers,
and computer scanners have increased the potential for counterfeiting.
OTTAWA, Jan. 17 /CNW/ - The Bank of Canada launched the first in a new series of bank notes today. The themes of the notes in the new series,
entitled Canadian Journey, reflect Canadians' views of their culture, history, and
achievements, said Gordon Thiessen, Governor of the Bank of Canada, as he unveiled the $10 note at the Bank.
Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray was present at the event to announce the bank note themes and to assist with the unveiling.
The back of the redesigned $10 note features the theme of Remembrance and Peacekeeping. It represents Canada's participation in peacekeeping
activities as well as the remembrance of all Canadians who participated in past wars. A
picture of Sir John A. Macdonald remains on the face of the new note. "Canada's new bank notes will display subject matter chosen with input
from Canadians across the country," said Mr. Thiessen. "I am extremely proud of our newest bank note series, which is distinguished by new anti-counterfeiting features, world-class designs, and a unique durable tactile
feature to assist the blind and vision-impaired. Raising public awareness of our currency is an important preventive measure against counterfeiting."
The new notes will contain many new sophisticated security features designed to thwart counterfeiters. Since the current note series was
introduced in 1986, significant technological advances in bank note production have made it possible to incorporate better security features into paper
currency. This comes at a time when affordable high-resolution colour copiers, inkjet printers, and computer scanners have increased the potential for
counterfeiting. A major enhancement to the new series is the addition of a durable
tactile feature that will greatly improve the ability of the blind and vision-impaired to recognize different denominations.
"Currency is a national symbol and a fitting place to capture some of the many events, scenes and people that have shaped our history and our lives as
Canadians," said Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray as he announced the new bank note themes.
The images on the backs of the notes are changing but the
Queen and prime ministers who are featured on the face of the current notes will remain,
with new portraits. The notes will be the same size, and the existing dominant colours on each denomination will be maintained.
The new themes were chosen after consultation with thousands of Canadians who expressed their views about Canada's significant achievements and
aspirations. The new note titles and the subject matter that will appear on the backs
are:
