Canada unveils new $20 bill featuring King Charles

King Charles III will appear on Canada's new $20 banknote, making Canada the first Commonwealth country outside Britain to place the monarch on its notes since he ascended the throne.

The vertical note also carries a floral and leafy tapestry inspired by what the Bank of Canada described as the King's lifelong dedication to the environment. Some design elements were chosen in consultation with an Indigenous advisory council, the central bank said.

“

serve as a powerful reminder of who we are as a nation and what we value

At the unveiling, Liberal MP and Canada Revenue Agency Secretary of State Wayne Long said the symbols on the banknote "serve as a powerful reminder of who we are as a nation and what we value." The note will enter circulation early next year, according to Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem.

“

51st state

It will be only Canada's second vertical banknote. The first, a $10 bill featuring Black civil rights advocate Viola Desmond, was named the world's best banknote in 2018 by the International Bank Note Society.

The new design arrives as many Canadians, particularly in French-speaking Quebec, say the country should end its formal links to the British monarchy. The monarchy received a small rise in popularity as tensions with the United States grew, including an ongoing trade dispute and President Donald Trump's comments about making Canada the "51st state." Prime Minister Mark Carney invited Charles to open Canada's parliament in May, saying the visit "clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country." Charles remains Canada's head of state and is represented in the country by Governor General Mary Simon.

“

clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country