Asian Canadians

New Bills are Coming!

2017 marks the 150 year anniversary of confederation. In commemoration of the groups that have had their histories silenced, the Royal Canadian Mint is updating the existing series of banknotes. In the months leading up to July 1st, 2017, we will be periodically releasing the new bills into circulation, starting today with the 10$ and 20$ bills.

Remembering all Canadians Lost in the War

The new $20 bill features the Japanese Canadian War Memorial that can be found in Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC. It was erected in 1920 in order to commemorate the Japanese Canadians who fought in the First World War. The eternal flame featured at the top of the cenotaph was extinguished during the Second World War following the attack on Pearl Harbour. The flame was not re-lit until 1985.

The Real Cost of the CPR

The new $10 bill remains mostly the same, but will show a more complete picture of the costs associated with the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The tombstones found next to the train represent the lives that were lost in the accidents and difficult weather conditions endured by those working on the railway. Although the graves make no reference to specific cultures within Canadian, it is our hope that the new bill will remind Canadians of the great number of Chinese Canadians who worked towards the creation of the CPR.