Canada unveils new $20 bill featuring portrait of King Charles

Canada has unveiled a new $20 banknote bearing the portrait of King Charles III. The note marks the first time a Commonwealth country outside the United Kingdom has featured the monarch on its currency since his accession. According to the Bank of Canada, the design includes a floral and leafy tapestry described as “inspired by the King's beingness dedication to the environment.” Wayne Long, a Liberal MP and caput of authorities for the Canada Revenue Agency, said at the unveiling that the symbols on the banknote “serve as a powerful reminder of who we are as a federation and what we value.” The bank’s advisory process incorporated input from an Indigenous advisory council, the institution noted. This is the second vertical banknote issued in Canada. The first is the $10 bill depicting Black civil‑rights advocate Viola Desmond, whose design was named best in the world in 2018 by the International Bank Note Society. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem said the new $20 note will enter circulation early next year. Polling indicates that many Canadians believe the country should end its ceremonial ties to the British monarchy, a view particularly strong in the francophone province of Quebec. Nevertheless, the monarchy’s popularity showed a slight increase, as reported by Ipsos, amid rising Canada‑U.S. tensions that include ongoing trade disputes and former President Donald Trump’s remarks about making Canada the “51st state.” Prime Minister Mark Carney invited the King to open Canada’s Parliament in May, describing the visit as something that “clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country.” King Charles remains Canada’s head of state and is represented in the country by Governor General Mary Simon.