On Dec. 8, Finance Minister Bill Morneau and Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz will reveal the iconic Canadian that woman will be featured on the country’s forthcoming circulating banknote series, which is slated for release in 2018.
In advance of that announcement, Canada’s central bank also released the short list from which the “bank-noteable” woman will be chosen.
“Canadian women made our country what it is today, and they deserve a place on our currency,” said Morneau. “Thanks to the work of the Council members and to the thousands who participated in the conversation, a new generation of young women and girls will be inspired by the stories of those who contributed so much to our society, our values and our history. And, in 2018, we will all have a constant reminder of these exceptional accomplishments to carry around with us wherever we go.”
An independent Advisory Council short-listed these five iconic Canadian women earlier this year for consideration by the Minister of Finance.
SHORT LIST OF FIVE #BANKNOTEABLE WOMEN (in alphabetical order):
- Viola Desmond (1914-1965);
- E. Pauline Johnson (1861-1913);
- Elizabeth (Elsie) MacGill (1905-1980);
- Fanny (Bobbie) Rosenfeld (1904-1969); and
- Idola Saint-Jean (1880-1945).
The women were selected from 461 eligible nominees submitted by Canadians during an open call for nominations, launched by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on International Women’s Day, 8 March 2016.
More than 26,300 submissions were received from Canadians over a five-week period. The Advisory Council initially reduced these nominations to a long list of 12 women, guided by the following principles: Canada is comprised of many different communities; the women who appear on the long list should resonate with Canadians and reflect the diversity of Canada; and their achievements must be seen in the context of the time in which they lived.
In compiling their short list, the members of the Advisory Council agreed these five women best articulated its ultimate selection criteria: that nominees should have broken or overcome barriers, made a significant change, left a lasting legacy, and be inspirational.
“The Advisory Council had the difficult task of selecting only five outstanding Canadian women from a vast field of strong choices, and I commend the members for their excellent work,” said Poloz. “I am also delighted that this entire process encouraged a meaningful conversation among Canadians about the many exceptional women who have shaped our country.”