Canada’s Currency, Stamps Among Nationwide Changes Following Queen’s Death

A stamp, a coin, and a bank note are displayed in front of a portrait of the Queen, commemorating the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General, in Ottawa on Sept. 9, 2015. The Canadian Press/Fred Chartrand

Queen Elizabeth II’s likeness will continue to grace Canadian coins, bank notes, and stamps for some time, but will eventually be phased out to introduce replacements bearing the image of Canada’s new monarch, King Charles III, according to federal institutions.

The Royal Canadian Mint says Canada’s coins, all of which carry a side profile of Queen Elizabeth II, will remain legal tender and will not be taken out of circulation any time soon.

“A change in Monarch does not require the replacement of circulation coins,” the Mint said in a statement. “Therefore, Canadians consumers and businesses can continue using all coins currently in circulation.”

Alex Reeves, the Crown corporation’s senior manager of public affairs, told The Epoch Times that the Mint is unaware of the government’s timetable for re-designing Canada’s coins to bear the image of King Charles III on the obverse (heads) side.

“The Government of Canada has exclusive jurisdiction over that matter,” Reeves said. “As the Mint’s role is limited to manufacturing and distributing Canada’s circulation coinage, we will abide by their decision and timetable.”

Reeves added that although the Mint cannot give a timeline for the new coins, it “will be ready to produce these new coins when asked.”

Canada’s $20 bills will also continue bearing the likeness of Queen Elizabeth II for the foreseeable future, according to the Bank of Canada.

“The current polymer $20 bank note is intended to circulate for years to come,” the central bank said in a Sept. 12 email to The Epoch Times. “There is no legislative requirement to change the design within a prescribed period when the Monarch changes.”

The bank also noted that Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will be “responsible for approving the form and material of any new bank note, including the portrait subject, in accordance with the Bank of Canada Act.”

Canada’s stamps also must be updated to feature Charles III, but Canada Post has released no official details as to how it will go about carrying this out.

“We have a National Stamp Advisory Committee that evaluates and determines elements of stamp issues,” Canada Post told The Canadian Press. “These elements are only disclosed once the stamp is announced publicly.”

Earlier this year, Canada Post released a special stamp commemorating the 70-year reign and platinum jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

“More than 70 stamps have honoured Her Majesty since her reign began on February 6, 1952,” said Canada Post in a Feb. 6 news release.

Changes will also be required for the inside cover of Canadian passports to reference the King’s authority rather than the Queen’s. Each passport currently reads on its first page: “The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada requests, in the name of Her Majesty the Queen, all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely, without delay or hindrance, and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary.”

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London, England, on June 5, 2022. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Government Proceedings

The Queen’s death will also cause changes in certain parliamentary and court proceedings.

For one, Canada’s royal anthem, which has been “God Save the Queen” since Elizabeth assumed the throne in 1952, will now change to “God Save the King.” The anthem is always sung when Royal Family members are present at any Canadian events and also when the Governor General and lieutenant generals are saluted at the opening of each session of provincial and federal parliament.

The Court of Queen’s Bench—which was the title of the superior trial court in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick—has now been officially changed to the Court of King’s Bench. The Monarchy is the chief legal executor of Canada, although in practice judicial powers are held by federal and provincial jurisdictions.

Furthermore, portraits of Queen Elizabeth II hanging in certain government institutions across Canada—such as courtrooms and legislative buildings—will now be replaced with images of Charles III.

“Protocol states that Her Majesty’s portrait should remain up until the day after the funeral. It is then removed and replaced with the portrait of the new Sovereign, when it becomes available,” reads a Heritage Canada webpage titled “Transition of the Crown—what it means for Canadians.”

The government did not specify how long this process would take, but it did say that it “may take some time.”

In addition, the commencement of Canada’s 45th Parliament will be delayed by one day due to a scheduling conflict with the Queen’s funeral on Sept. 19. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon will attend the funeral in London along with Ralph Goodale, Canada’s High Commissioner in the United Kingdom.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.