Discover why Justin Trudeau’s failure to update the Canadian banknotes with King Charles is raising concerns about his commitment to preserving historical symbols. Learn about the delayed release of new banknotes and Trudeau’s history of disregarding important institutions. In the realm of Canadian politics, there have been numerous instances where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has failed to uphold the legacy and symbols that connect us to our history. One such incident revolves around the absence of King Charles on the Canadian $20 banknotes.
While the United Kingdom has taken steps to update their currency with images of the King, Canada seems to be lagging behind. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind this delay and explore Trudeau’s history of disregarding the importance of these symbols.
The Absence of King Charles on Canadian Banknotes
Unlike the new banknotes in the United Kingdom that prominently feature King Charles, the Canadian $20 bill still displays the likeness of the late Queen Elizabeth II. This has raised questions about why the Canadian government has not taken swift action to update the imagery of our head of state. While Canadians celebrate Victoria Day, a commemoration of Queen Victoria’s birthday, it is disheartening to see the lack of representation of the reigning monarch on our currency.
Delayed Release of New Banknotes
According to the Bank of Canada, the new bills featuring King Charles are not expected to be in circulation until 2027, a staggering four years after his ascension to the throne. The bank cites the lengthy process involved in designing the new note, which includes historical and visual research, consultation with experts, and engagement with the bank’s Indigenous Advisory Circle. This extensive process, along with subsequent phases of R&D, design, production, and public education, is estimated to take another three years. It is evident that our central bankers were caught off guard by the sudden passing of Queen Elizabeth II, leaving them unprepared to swiftly update the currency.
Contrasting Actions in the United Kingdom
In stark contrast to Canada’s slow progress, the United Kingdom has been proactive in updating their currency. They have been working on new banknotes featuring King Charles for over a decade and are set to release them in the near future. Additionally, an official portrait of King Charles was unveiled earlier this year and distributed to every public body in the country. This demonstrates a clear commitment to honoring their monarch and preserving their historical symbols.
Request for an Official Canadian Portrait
Canadian Heritage’s website states that they have requested an official Canadian portrait of King Charles from Buckingham Palace. However, there has been no update on its availability or distribution. The Monarchist League of Canada, which has previously assisted in distributing royal portraits, expresses frustration over the delays. They argue that it should not be difficult to obtain a portrait and suggest a simple solution of taking a picture and getting it done.
Trudeau’s History of Disregarding Symbols and Institutions
The delays in updating the banknotes and obtaining an official portrait reflect a larger pattern of Trudeau downplaying the significance of symbols and institutions that connect us to our history. In the past, the Trudeau government quietly changed King Charles’ title, removing references to the “United Kingdom” and “Defender of the Faith.” Furthermore, they decided not to adopt the King’s chosen crown for the Royal Coat of Arms, opting instead for a new Canadian crown. This disregard for tradition and symbolism is further exemplified by the cartoonish nature scenes featured on the new Canadian passports, replacing iconic images of national significance.
In conclusion, Justin Trudeau’s failure to promptly update the Canadian banknotes with the image of King Charles raises concerns about his commitment to preserving our historical symbols. The delayed release of the new banknotes and the absence of an official Canadian portrait reflect a larger pattern of disregarding the importance of these institutions. As Canadians, it is imperative that we recognize and honor our history, and it is disheartening to see our Prime Minister fall short in this regard.
FAQs
1. Why is King Charles absent from Canadian banknotes?
The absence of King Charles on Canadian banknotes is due to the slow progress of updating the currency. While the United Kingdom has taken steps to feature King Charles on their banknotes, Canada has experienced delays in the design and production process.
2. When will the new Canadianbanknotes featuring King Charles be released?
The new Canadian banknotes featuring King Charles are not expected to be in circulation until 2027, four years after his ascension to the throne. The Bank of Canada is engaged in a comprehensive process that includes research, consultation, design, production, and public education.
3. What is Trudeau’s history of disregarding symbols and institutions?
Trudeau has a history of downplaying the significance of symbols and institutions that connect us to our history. He has quietly changed King Charles’ title, designed a new Canadian crown instead of adopting the King’s chosen crown, and replaced iconic images on Canadian passports with cartoonish nature scenes. These actions reflect a disregard for tradition and symbolism.
