Order Authorizing the Issue of Two Two-dollar Commemorative Circulation Coins Specifying the Characteristics and Determining the Designs (National Indigenous Peoples Day): SOR/2023-131

Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 157, Number 14

Registration
SOR/2023-131 June 19, 2023

ROYAL CANADIAN MINT ACT

Order Authorizing the Issue of Two Two-dollar Commemorative Circulation Coins Specifying the Characteristics and Determining the Designs (National Indigenous Peoples Day)

P.C. 2023-578 June 16, 2023

Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Finance, under sections 6.4^{footnote a} and 6.5^{footnote a} of the Royal Canadian Mint Act^{footnote b}, authorizes the issue of two two-dollar circulation coins, the characteristics of which are to be as specified in item 1.1^{footnote c} of Part 2 of the schedule to that Act and the diameter of which is to be 28.03 mm, and determines the design of the coins to be as follows:

• (a) a coloured two-dollar coin
  • (i) the obverse impression of which is to depict, on the inner core of the coin, the effigy of Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, with the initials “SB” on the bottom left-hand corner of the neckline, the inscription “2023” centred at the top of the outer ring, the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “D·G·REGINA” on the outer ring, to the left and right sides of the effigy, respectively, and on the bottom of the outer ring, the inscriptions “1952” and “2022” separated by four dots arranged in the shape of a diamond,
  • (ii) the reverse impression of which is to depict,
    • (A) on the green inner core of the coin, the following three images:
      • (I) in the top right third, one large central red and orange flower with red sepals, from which black stems extend on either side to two small red and orange flowers and a small red flower; and above the central flower, a red circle, with a butterfly with red and orange wings on either side of the circle; with the flowers, circle and butterflies outlined in black,
      • (II) in the bottom third, an orange sun with four wavy orange lines on either side, a white ulu superimposed over the sun and a red, orange and black inuksuk superimposed over the ulu; on either side of the inuksuk, a black walrus tusk, and beneath the inuksuk, a red, orange and black Delta braid; with the sun, ulu and braid outlined in black, and
      • (III) in the top left third, a five-petalled red, orange and white flower, surrounded by black circles, from which flower a black stem with two black-outlined leaves extend from either side; beneath the flower, a red and white Métis sash, over which is superimposed a white infinity symbol in the shape of the bodies of two fiddles; and beneath the symbol, an orange wheel with a black-outlined centre ring and black spokes; with the flower, sash, symbol and wheel outlined in black, and
    • (B) on the outer ring of the coin, centred at the top, two virtual images of a maple leaf between two slanted lines; on the right of the ring, an image of the moon in seven different phases, within a border, beneath and to the right of which are one of the artists’ initials, “MC”, and to the right of the image, the inscription “2 DOLLARS”; on the bottom of the ring, a Delta braid over which is superimposed two security marks consisting of a maple leaf within a maple leaf, each within a circle, and beneath which, centred between the security marks, are one of the artists’ initials, “MP”; and on the left of the ring, a Métis sash below and to the left of which are one of the artists’ initials, “JK”, and to the left of the sash, the inscription “CANADA”, and
  • (iii) the edge of which is to show the inscriptions “CANADA” and “2 DOLLARS”, with a maple leaf before and after the inscription “CANADA”; and
• (b) a two-dollar coin
  • (i) the obverse impression of which is to depict, on the inner core of the coin, the effigy of Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, with the initials “SB” on the bottom left-hand corner of the neckline, the inscription “2023” centred at the top of the outer ring, the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “D·G·REGINA” on the outer ring, to the left and right sides of the effigy, respectively, and on the bottom of the outer ring, the inscriptions “1952” and “2022” separated by four dots arranged in the shape of a diamond, and
  • (ii) the reverse impression of which is to depict,
    • (A) on the inner core of the coin, the following three images:
      • (I) in the top right third, one large central flower with sepals, from which stems extend on either side to three small flowers; above the central flower, a circle, with a butterfly on either side of the circle,
      • (II) in the bottom third, a sun with four wavy lines on either side, an ulu superimposed over the sun and an inuksuk superimposed over the ulu; on either side of the inuksuk, a walrus tusk, and beneath the inuksuk, a Delta braid, and
      • (III) in the top left third, a five-petalled flower, surrounded by circles, from which flower a stem with two leaves extend from either side; beneath the flower, a Métis sash, over which is superimposed an infinity symbol in the shape of the bodies of two fiddles, and beneath the symbol, a wheel, and
    • (B) on the outer ring of the coin, centred at the top, two virtual images of a maple leaf between two slanted lines; on the right of the ring, an image of the moon in seven different phases, within a border, beneath and to the right of which are one of the artists’ initials, “MC”, and to the right of the image, the inscription “2 DOLLARS”; on the bottom of the ring, a Delta braid over which is superimposed two security marks consisting of a maple leaf within a maple leaf, each within a circle, and beneath which, centred between the security marks, are one of the artists’ initials, “MP”; and on the left of the ring, a Métis sash below and to the left of which are one of the artists’ initials, “JK”, and to the left of the sash, the inscription “CANADA”, and
  • (iii) the edge of which is to show the inscriptions “CANADA” and “2 DOLLARS”, with a maple leaf before and after the inscription “CANADA”.

REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENT

(This statement is not part of the Order.)

Issues

The Royal Canadian Mint (the Mint) seeks to produce two $2 commemorative circulation coins celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day. The two $2 coins have one shared design that will be produced in a version with colour, and a version without colour.

Background

June 21 marks the annual celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, the national day devoted to celebrating, and raising national awareness of the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The purpose of this coin program is to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in the spirit outlined above with the aim of broadening and deepening people living in Canada’s understanding of Indigenous culture and heritage.

The Mint produces commemorative circulation coins as a means to assist in the promotion of the shared history of people living in Canada, as well as our shared values and culture. These special coins engage people living in Canada while raising awareness about topics, stories and events of national significance.

On May 6, 2023, the Government of Canada announced that the future obverse designs of Canada’s circulation coins will feature the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III. The commemorative circulation coins included in this proposal will be issued before the new obverse designs featuring the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III will be available for circulation. As such, their obverse designs will feature adaptations of the obverse effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, as defined below.

Objective

The objective of this Order is to authorize the Mint to produce two $2 commemorative circulation coins to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. The coins are tangible celebrations of Indigenous cultures, heritage, and traditions, with the coins offering a means through which to raise national awareness about the exceptional richness and vitality of Indigenous art and culture.

These coins’ obverse designs include commemorative adaptations marking the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. These adaptations indicate that coins bearing them were struck in the period between the end of her reign, and the production of coins bearing the new obverse of His Majesty King Charles III.

Description

The two $2 coins feature the same design in versions with and without colour. The design represents the cultural heritage and symbols of the Métis, First Nations, and Inuit communities, as expressed by the artists who worked together to create this celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

These coins’ obverse designs feature adaptations to the obverse effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt in recognition of her passing and legacy. These adaptations include the addition of the years spanning her reign “1952-2022”, as well as four dots in the shape of a diamond representing the four effigies of Queen Elizabeth II that appeared on Canada’s circulation coins.

Regulatory development

Consultation

The Mint welcomes the public to submit ideas for coin themes and designs through its web site. Development of the designs for the Mint’s 2023 commemorative coin program began in early 2022.

Quantitative market research was conducted between August 15 and September 6, 2022, through an online survey sent to a nationally representative sample consisting of 2 324 respondents over the age of 18 residing in Canada. In the case of these coin designs, an additional sample of 400 Indigenous people living in Canada, and over the age of 18 provided the responses that determined the design being recommended. Of these respondents, 93% indicated that they like the design, suggesting broad support for the coins.

In addition, Mint officials consulted directly with a wide number of individuals and organizations in Métis, First Nations, and Inuit communities. These ranged from cultural figures, regional and community-specific organizations, national Indigenous organizations and relevant Government of Canada departments and agencies. All indicated their support for the coins’ reverse designs, and no concerns were raised regarding the obverse adaptations.

This Order has been exempted from prepublication in Part I of the Canada Gazette because changing circulation coin designs has no impact on day-to-day transactions and has always been well received. These coins will perform the same function in trade and commerce and in the same manner as a coin bearing the standard design.

Modern treaty obligations and Indigenous engagement and consultation

The proposal is not expected to impact potential or established Aboriginal or treaty rights, which are recognized and affirmed in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

Instrument choice

Pursuant to sections 6.4 and 6.5 of the Royal Canadian Mint Act (the Act), the Governor in Council may, by order, authorize the issuance of circulation coins of a denomination listed in Part 2 of the Schedule of that Act and determine the design of any circulation coin to be issued. This Order is the only instrument choice available under the Act to authorize the issuance of circulation coins and approve their design.

Regulatory analysis

Benefits and costs

The Mint will incur some program costs in issuing these new commemorative coins. No costs for Canadians, businesses, or other stakeholders are anticipated. These costs will be managed within the Mint’s budget.

These coins will encourage people living in Canada to engage with their subject matter more deeply and raise national awareness of National Indigenous Peoples Day and its purpose.

As commemorative coins are available at face value and circulated widely, public demand is high, with many people collecting coins and taking them out of circulation. These special circulation coin programs contribute to the overall success of federal commemorative events and activities. Coins will be distributed through financial institutions with a portion reserved for public coin exchanges.

Small business lens

The small business lens does not apply, as there are no associated impacts on businesses.

One-for-one rule

The one-for-one rule does not apply, as there is no impact on businesses.

Regulatory cooperation and alignment

Given that this Order authorizes the issuance of new commemorative coins, there is no regulatory cooperation or alignment component associated with it.

Strategic environmental assessment

In accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, a preliminary scan concluded that a strategic environmental assessment is not required.

Gender-based analysis plus (GBA+)

Through its commemorative circulation coins, the Mint has represented national milestones in the advancement of gender rights, in addition to featuring topics more broadly representative of Canadian diversity, and our shared history. Honouring the full breadth of Canada’s diversity will continue to feature prominently in the Mint’s future plans for commemorative circulation coin designs.

Implementation, compliance and enforcement, and service standards

This Order will come into force upon its approval. Upon approval of the Order, the Mint will produce and distribute these coins for general circulation. There are no compliance and enforcement requirements associated with this Order. Launch event tactics are developed collaboratively with federal and community partners. They may include some or all of the following: a national multimedia advertising campaign, news releases, a public launch event, media relations outreach and public coin exchanges.

Contact

Simon Kamel
Vice-President
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Corporate and Legal Affairs
Royal Canadian Mint
320 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G8
Telephone: 613‑993‑1732
Fax: 613‑990‑4665
Email: kamel@mint.ca