Bank of Canada seeks note input

On Oct. 8, the Bank of Canada (www.bankofcanada.ca) announced that it is inviting Canadians to comment “on the principles that guide the design of the country’s bank notes.”

The online survey, which is open for participation through Nov. 10, the bank said in a press release, “is a way for Canadians to contribute in an unprecedented way to the design of future bank note series.”

Canadians can take part in the survey by visiting the bank’s “Principles for Bank Note Design” web page.

The bank plans to publish a summary of the comments it receives before the end of the year.

According to the bank, the survey stems from a review the bank conducted related to “the process used to select, develop and design the visual content for the Polymer series of bank notes.” The review, it said, concluded that “Canadians should have increased participation in the design process for the next series.”

The online survey asks participants seven questions and calls for additional comments. The questions are:

“1. Have you read our Principles for Bank Note Design?

“2. Which province or territory do you live in?

“3. To which age group do you belong?

“4. What is your gender?

“5. Do you support the principles that will guide the design of future bank notes?

“6. Are there principles missing that should be added? What other considerations should factor into bank note design?

“7. One of the principles state that the visual content of bank notes must reflect Canada and have broad appeal. In your opinion, how can bank notes best achieve this?”

Among the principles listed at www.bankofcanada.ca/principles-bank-note-design (besides those related to functionality, accessibility, languages, and security) are that in reflecting Canada the notes:

“• promote Canada and Canadians - our values, culture, history, traditions, achievements and/or natural heritage;

“• are clearly identifiable as Canadian through the use of symbols, words or images;

“• are meaningful to Canadians today and for years to come; and

“• evoke pride and confidence in Canada.”

The Bank of Canada’s press release adds that when the bank begins work on the next series of notes, it will seek public input.

The Bank of Canada began issuing polymer notes in November 2011 with the release of the $100 and followed in March 2012 with the $50, November 2012 with the $20, and November 2013 with the $5 and $10.

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