Order Authorizing the Issue of Two One-dollar Commemorative Circulation Coins Specifying the Characteristics and Determining the Designs (Oscar Peterson): SOR/2022-154
Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 156, Number 14
Registration
SOR/2022-154 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 (Oscar Peterson)
P.C. 2022-719 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 centre of the top of the coin, the inscription “CANADA”, beneath which appears a security mark consisting of a maple leaf within a maple leaf within a circle, to the left of which is a portrait of Oscar Peterson playing piano, and to the right of which appears the piano that Mr. Peterson is playing, and from the top of the coin below the inscription “CANADA”, a musical staff that curves downward towards the piano and on which appear the musical notes and chord symbols for two bars of Mr. Peterson’s “Hymn to Freedom”, and between Mr. Peterson, the musical staff and the piano, layered over a hash mark pattern, two purple blocks surrounding the security mark, and on the bottom of the design, the inscription “OSCAR PETERSON”, above and to the right of which appears the artist’s initials “VD”, and centred at the bottom of the coin, the inscription “DOLLAR”; 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 centre of the top of the coin, the inscription “CANADA”, beneath which appears a security mark consisting of a maple leaf within a maple leaf within a circle, to the left of which is a portrait of Oscar Peterson playing piano and to the right of which appears the piano that Mr. Peterson is playing, and from the top of the coin, below the inscription “CANADA”, a musical staff that curves downward towards the piano and on which appear the musical notes and chord symbols for two bars of Mr. Peterson’s “Hymn to Freedom”, and on the bottom of the design, the inscription “OSCAR PETERSON”, above and to the right of which appears the artist’s initials “VD”, and centered at the bottom of the coin, the inscription “DOLLAR”.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENT
(This statement is not part of the Order.)
Issues
The Royal Canadian Mint (the Mint) seeks to produce two $1 commemorative circulation coins honouring and celebrating the life, work, and music of Oscar Peterson as a tribute to his contributions not only to Canadian culture, but to the world of music. The two $1 coins would have one shared design that would be produced in a version with colour, and a version without colour.
Background
Oscar Peterson is widely recognized as among the world’s greatest pianists. Peterson was also a notable composer, the significance of whose music went beyond art: Hymn to Freedom, notes and chord symbols from which appear on the coins, was an anthem of the civil rights movement in the 1960s, and remains a critical cultural symbol today.
The celebration of Oscar Peterson’s life and work is an opportunity to raise national awareness of the significance and contributions of Canadian art and culture to music as Mr. Peterson is one of the most impactful, renowned, celebrated, and decorated musicians in Canadian history.
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. Peterson playing the piano, above which are musical notes and chord symbols from his Hymn to Freedom. Beneath Mr. Peterson’s likeness would appear his name: ’OSCAR PETERSON’.
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-three 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.
- The Estate of Oscar Peterson (April 2021 to present)
- Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat, Canadian Heritage (April 2021 to present)
- Department of Canadian Heritage (April 2021)
- National Music Centre (October 2021)
- Royal Conservatory of Music (October 2021)
- Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS; November 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 costs for Canadians, businesses, or other stakeholders are anticipated.
These coins would communicate the significance, and enable Canadians to learn more about, one of the most impactful, renowned, celebrated, and decorated musicians in Canadian history, as well as his monumental contributions to Canadian culture, and to the world of jazz music.
As commemorative coins are available at face value and circulate widely, public demand is high, with many people collecting coins and taking them out of circulation. These special circulation coin programs contribute to the overall success of federal commemorative events and activities. Coins would be distributed through financial institutions with a portion reserved for public coin exchanges.
Small business lens
The small business lens does not apply as there are no associated impacts on businesses.
One-for-one rule
The one-for-one rule does not apply as there is no impact on businesses.
Regulatory cooperation and alignment
Given that this Order authorizes the issuance of new commemorative coins, there is no regulatory cooperation or alignment component associated with it.
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+)
Commemorative circulation coins have represented nationally significant milestones in the advancement of gender rights, as well as those more broadly representative of Canadian diversity and our shared history. Celebrating Mr. Peterson’s life and work through these coins would represent an important additional milestone in the Mint’s efforts to reflect Canada’s diversity on our currency: he would be the first Black person to appear on a circulation coin. Celebrating 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