Canada’s new polymer bank notes are now at centre stage for all to see. The curtain is drawn and, as is often the case, seeing is believing. This is a big change for Canadians, and it’s a positive change.
• With their leading-edge security features, the polymer notes are more secure. They are both easy to check and hard to counterfeit.
• They are far more durable and economical than cotton-paper notes and are expected to last at least 2.5 times longer before needing to be replaced.
• They’re a first! The large transparent area combined with detailed metallic imagery has never been done before-on any country’s currency. The innovation of the notes themselves pairs well with the note themes which reflect Canada’s spirit of innovation.
• Polymer notes are also better for the environment. They will be recycled at the end of their life and have a reduced impact on the environment because they last longer than cotton-paper notes, and will be printed less frequently.
What’s on Canada’s new polymer notes?
While the $100 note focuses on medical innovation and Canada’s long-standing commitment to medical research, the $50 note features the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Amundsen, a research icebreaker. It supports environmental research and provides the world’s oceanographers, geologists and ecologists with unparalleled access to the North.
With all of this in mind, take a good long look and get to know your new money at www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes.
You have a bit of lead time. The $100 note will hit the street in November and the $50 note in March 2012. The idea behind unveiling the look of the notes now is to give Canadians time to familiarize themselves with their appearance and security features. The $20, followed by the $10 and $5 notes, will be issued by the end of 2013.
Visit www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes and watch the video that takes you through the innovative security features and design of Canada’s new polymer note.