Order Authorizing the Issue of Two Two-dollar Commemorative Circulation Coins Specifying the Characteristics and Determining the Designs (Jean Paul Riopelle): SOR/2023-133
Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 157, Number 14
Registration
SOR/2023-133 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 (Jean Paul Riopelle)
P.C. 2023-580 June 16, 2023
Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Finance, under sections 6.4footnote a and 6.5footnote a of the Royal Canadian Mint Actfootnote b, authorizes the issue of two two-dollar circulation coins, the characteristics of which are to be as specified in item 1.1footnote 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, centred at the top of the outer ring, two virtual images of a maple leaf between two slanted lines, the inscriptions “2 DOLLARS” and “CANADA” on the left of the outer ring, the inscription “RIOPELLE” below which appears the inscription “100” on the right of the outer ring, and, on the inner core of the coin, elements of Panel 29 of L’Hommage à Rosa Luxemburg by Jean Paul Riopelle coloured in white, brown, blue and grey, and on the bottom of the outer ring, two security marks consisting of a maple leaf within a maple leaf, each within a circle, 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,
- (ii) the reverse impression of which is to depict, centred at the top of the outer ring, two virtual images of a maple leaf between two slanted lines, the inscriptions “2 DOLLARS” and “CANADA” on the left of the outer ring, the inscription “RIOPELLE” below which appears the inscription “100” on the right of the outer ring, and, on the inner core of the coin, elements of Panel 29 of L’Hommage à Rosa Luxemburg by Jean Paul Riopelle, and on the bottom of the outer ring, two security marks consisting of a maple leaf within a maple leaf, each within a circle, 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) will produce two $2 commemorative circulation coins commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Jean Paul Riopelle. The two $2 coins have one shared design that will be produced in a version with colour, and a version without colour.
Background
Jean Paul Riopelle was one of the most significant and renown Canadian artists of the twentieth century. During his decades-long career, Riopelle’s work was the subject of innumerable solo and group shows, influenced and participated in some of the twentieth century’s notable art movements, and earned countless honours and accolades, including being made a Companion of the Order of Canada, and a Grand Officer of the Ordre national du Québec.
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 described in this Order 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 commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Jean Paul Riopelle. The designs commemorate Jean Paul Riopelle, among the most influential and celebrated Canadian artists of the twentieth century. They will raise national awareness of the importance and impact of Riopelle and his work as ambassadors for the significance of Canadian and Québécois art and culture, at home and around the world.
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 depicts an adaptation of Panel 29 of L’Hommage à Rosa Luxemburg. Also appearing are the inscriptions “RIOPELLE 100” in recognition of the anniversary being commemorated.
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 marking the beginning and end of her reign, “1952” and “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 website. 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. The design appealed to 96% of respondents, suggesting broad support for the coins.
In addition, Mint officials consulted directly with Riopelle’s descendants, as well as individuals and organizations interested in, and impacted by, the commemoration of Riopelle’s life and work, 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 the Canada Gazette, Part I, because changing circulation coin designs has no impact on day-to-day transactions and has always been well received. These coins 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
This Order 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 through the Mint’s budget.
These coins will communicate the significance, and raise national awareness of, the worldwide significance and impact of Québécois and Canadian art and culture.
As commemorative coins are available at face value and circulate 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 nationally significant milestones in the advancement of gender rights, as well as those more broadly representative of Canadian diversity and the shared history of Canadians. Celebrating 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