Canada has unveiled a redesigned $20 banknote that combines new security technology with the first appearance of King Charles III on Canadian currency.
The Bank of Canada announced the new vertical $20 note on Thursday at an unveiling in Ottawa attended by Governor Tiff Macklem, Governor General Louise Arbour and Secretary of State Wayne Long.
The new polymer note, which is predominantly green, will gradually enter circulation in late February 2027, according to the central bank.
It will be Canada’s first banknote to carry a portrait of King Charles III and the first time in more than 70 years that a new monarch has appeared on the $20 denomination.
“This new $20 bank note is striking, symbolic and secure,” Macklem said.
“The note’s advanced and dynamic security features are combined with images that reflect Canada’s beauty and its history. I hope it evokes pride in Canada and confidence in its bank notes.”
The Bank said the new $20 introduces security features never before used on Canadian currency, designed to make the note easier to authenticate and harder to counterfeit.
Among the features is a purple security stripe containing elements that spin, transform and pulse when the note is moved.
The Bank said the $20 denomination is the one Canadians use most often, making security improvements on the note particularly significant for everyday cash transactions.
The front of the note carries King Charles III’s portrait, surrounded by floral and leafy imagery inspired by his lifetime dedication to the environment.
Floral emblems representing Canada’s 13 provinces and territories also appear on the front, while a circular window incorporates four plants that are culturally significant to Indigenous Peoples: wild strawberries, western red cedar, braided sweetgrass and arctic cotton.
The reverse retains the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, which the Bank described as a tribute to Canada’s contributions and sacrifices in military conflicts throughout its history.
The new $20 is the second note in Canada’s Vertical series, following the $10 note featuring civil rights pioneer and businesswoman Viola Desmond.
The Bank said it consulted Canadians, government partners, accessibility groups and organisations connected with the Vimy memorial during development of the new note.
It also said accessibility features would help people who are blind or partially sighted identify the note, including tactile features, large high-contrast numbers and the familiar green colour associated with Canadian $20 banknotes.
Finance and National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the new note reflects Canada’s Commonwealth roots and its international relationships.
“The new $20 note reflects important parts of who we are as Canadians, honouring our Commonwealth roots and our ties with international allies,” Champagne said.
“It honours our constitutional traditions through the portrait of His Majesty King Charles III and recognises the service and sacrifice of Canadians through the Vimy Memorial, a symbol that continues to resonate across generations.”
Secretary of State Long said the note tells “a distinctly Canadian story” shaped by the country’s natural beauty, history and international partnerships.
The Bank of Canada said financial institutions, cash-handling businesses, retailers and other stakeholders would be informed about the new note before its release to help prepare for its introduction into circulation.