Order Authorizing the Issue of Two One-dollar Commemorative Circulation Coins Specifying the Characteristics and Determining the Designs (Alexander Graham Bell): SOR/2022-153
Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 156, Number 14
Registration
SOR/2022-153 June 21, 2022
ROYAL CANADIAN MINT ACT
Order Authorizing the Issue of Two One-dollar Commemorative Circulation Coins Specifying the Characteristics and Determining the Designs (Alexander Graham Bell)
P.C. 2022-718 June 20, 2022
Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Finance, pursuant to sections 6.4footnote a and 6.5footnote a of the Royal Canadian Mint Act footnote b, authorizes the issue of two one-dollar circulation coins, the characteristics of which are to be as specified in item 2.2footnote c of Part 2 of the schedule to that Act and the diameter of which is to be 26.5 mm, and determines the design of the coins to be as follows:
- (a) a coloured one-dollar coin
- (i) the obverse impression of which is to depict the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, with the initials “SB” on the bottom left-hand corner of the neckline, the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “D·G·REGINA” to the left and right of the effigy, respectively, the inscription “2022” beneath the effigy and beading around the circumference of the coin, and
- (ii) the reverse impression of which is to depict, at the top of the coin, the inscriptions “CANADA” and “DOLLAR”, beneath which appear, layered over a pattern of hash marks, two light blue wave-like shapes, the lower one of which is larger than the other, and superimposed over the wave-like shapes, to the left of the coin, the Silver Dart facing left and coloured black and white, and to the right of the Silver Dart, superimposed over the wave-like shapes, in the centre, a security mark consisting of a maple leaf within a maple leaf within a circle, and immediately beneath the Silver Dart and superimposed over the Silver Dart’s left wing, the rear half of the HD-4 Hydrofoil facing right and coloured grey, black and white, and covering the right side of the hydrofoil, a portrait of Alexander Graham Bell, in the foreground of whose jacket appears the inscription “Alexander Graham Bell” in the form of Mr. Bell’s signature, beneath which appears the inscription “175 YEARS / ANS”, and above Mr. Bell’s left shoulder, the artist’s initials “CG”; and
- (b) a one-dollar coin
- (i) the obverse impression of which is to depict the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt, with the initials “SB” on the bottom left-hand corner of the neckline, the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “D·G·REGINA” to the left and right of the effigy, respectively, the inscription “2022” beneath the effigy and beading around the circumference of the coin, and
- (ii) the reverse impression of which is to depict, at the top of the coin, the inscriptions “CANADA” and “DOLLAR” beneath which appear, two wave-like shapes, the lower one of which is larger than the other, and superimposed over the wave-like shapes, to the left of the coin, the Silver Dart facing left, and to the right of the Silver Dart, superimposed over the wave-like shapes, in the centre, a security mark consisting of a maple leaf within a maple leaf within a circle, and immediately beneath the Silver Dart and superimposed over the Silver Dart’s left wing, the rear half of the HD-4 Hydrofoil facing right, and covering the right side of the hydrofoil, a portrait of Alexander Graham Bell, in the foreground of whose jacket appears the inscription “Alexander Graham Bell” in the form of Mr. Bell’s signature, beneath which appears the inscription “175 YEARS / ANS”, and above Mr. Bell’s left shoulder, the artist’s initials “CG”.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENT
(This statement is not part of the Order.)
Issues
The Royal Canadian Mint (the Mint) wishes to produce two $1 commemorative circulation coins commemorating the 175th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Graham Bell. The two $1 coins would have one shared design that would be produced in a version with colour, and a version without colour.
Background
The year 2022 marks the 175th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Graham Bell, one of the most prolific and successful inventors of his era. The invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell fundamentally transformed human communication, and few inventions could be said to have had greater or more enduring impact. The HD-4 hydrofoil was created at Bell’s Cape Breton estate, and set a world record for marine speed, while the Silver Dart was the aircraft used in Canada’s first powered flight.
Objective
The objective of the Mint’s commemorative circulation coins is to promote Canada’s heritage, as well as Canadian values, culture and history by minting special coins that raise awareness of subjects, stories and events of importance to Canadians.
Description
The two $1 coins would feature the same design in versions with and without colour. The design would depict Mr. Bell and two of the inventions he helped create: the HD-4 Hydrofoil and the Silver Dart. In addition, the design would show Mr. Bell’s signature (’Alexander Graham Bell’) as well as ’175 YEARS/ANS’ to denote the anniversary being commemorated.
Regulatory development
Consultation
The Mint welcomes the public to submit ideas for coin themes and designs through its web site. Development of the designs for the Mint’s 2022 commemorative coin program began in early 2021.
Quantitative market research was conducted between September 7 and September 16, 2021 through an online survey sent to a nationally representative sample consisting of 2,513 respondents over the age of 18, residing in Canada. Ninety-six per cent of respondents indicated that the design is appealing, suggesting broad support for the coins.
In addition, Mint officials consulted directly with the following organizations to assess their support, and seek their input regarding the creation and development of the recommended design. The following organizations have indicated their support for the coins:
- Alexander and Mabel Bell Legacy Foundation (February 2021 to present)
- Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site (Parks Canada; April 2021 to present)
- Department of Canadian Heritage (April 2021)
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum (Ingenium; September-October 2021)
- Canada Science and Technology Museums (Ingenium; September-October 2021)
This Order has been exempted from pre-publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I because coin designs do not impose regulatory requirements on the Canadian public.
Modern treaty obligations and Indigenous engagement and consultation
An assessment of Modern Treaty Implications indicated that this Order would not impact Indigenous rights and/or modern treaty obligations.
Instrument choice
Pursuant to sections 6.4 and 6.5 of the Royal Canadian Mint Act (the Act), the Governor in Council may, by order, authorize the issuance of circulation coins of a denomination listed in Part 2 of the schedule of that Act and determine the design of any circulation coin to be issued. This Order is the only instrument choice available under the Act to authorize the issuance of circulation coins and approve their design.
Regulatory analysis
Benefits and costs
The Mint would incur some program costs in issuing these new commemorative coins. No additional costs for Canadians, businesses, or other stakeholders are anticipated.
These coins would communicate the significance Mr. Bell’s life and work as an inventor, and of Canada’s history of innovation.
As commemorative coins are available at face value and circulate widely, public demand is high, with many coins being collected and taken out of circulation. These special circulation coin programs contribute to the overall success of commemoration events and activities. Coins would be distributed through financial institutions with a portion reserved for coin exchanges.
Small business lens
This Order does not impose new administrative or compliance costs on small business. Therefore, the small business lens does not apply.
One-for-one rule
This Order does not impose new administrative costs on business. Therefore, the one-for-one rule does not apply.
Regulatory cooperation and alignment
This Order is not related to a work plan or commitment under a formal regulatory cooperation forum.
Strategic environmental assessment
In accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, a preliminary scan concluded that a strategic environmental assessment is not required.
Gender-based analysis plus (GBA+)
Through its commemorative circulation coins, the Mint has represented national milestones in the advancement of gender rights, in addition to featuring topics more broadly representative of Canadian diversity, and our shared history. Honouring the full breadth of Canada’s diversity will continue to feature prominently in the Mint’s future plans for commemorative circulation coin designs.
Implementation, compliance and enforcement, and service standards
Upon approval of the Order, the Mint would proceed with a production order to authorize its Winnipeg facility to start production. There are no compliance and enforcement requirements associated with this Order. Launch event tactics are developed collaboratively with federal and community partners. They may include some or all of the following: a national multi-media advertising campaign, news releases, a public launch event, media relations outreach and public coin exchanges.
Contact
Simon Kamel
Vice-President
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Corporate and Legal Affairs
Royal Canadian Mint
320 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G8
Telephone: 613‑993‑1732
Fax: 613‑990‑4665
Email: kamel@mint.ca