Vol. 149, No. 4 — February 25, 2015

Registration

SOR/2015-34 February 6, 2015

ROYAL CANADIAN MINT ACT

Order Authorizing the Issue of Two Twenty-five Cent Circulation Coins Specifying the Characteristics and Determining the Design

P.C. 2015-99 February 5, 2015

His Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Finance, pursuant to sections 6.4 (see footnote a) and 6.5 (see footnote b) of the Royal Canadian Mint Act (see footnote c), authorizes the issue of two twenty-five cent circulation coins, the characteristics of which are to be as specified in item 4.1 (see footnote d) of Part 2 of the schedule to that Act and the diameter of which is to be 23.88 mm, and determines the design of the coins to be as follows:

REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENT

(This statement is not part of the Order.)

Issues

The Royal Canadian Mint (the Mint) wishes to produce two 25-cent circulation coins with the same design in colour and non-colour, as part of the Commemorative Circulation Coin Program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag. Pursuant to sections 6.4 and 6.5 of the Royal Canadian Mint Act, the Governor in Council may, by order, authorize the issue 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.

Background

The Commemorative Circulation Coin Program assists in the promotion of Canada, Canadian values, culture and history to Canadians. These special coins raise awareness of celebrations and anniversaries of importance to Canadians and create engagement with the Canadian public.

Objectives

To use circulation coinage to commemorate and promote the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag in accordance with the Government of Canada’s priority commemorations for events of broad, national significance in 2015.

Description

This Order authorizes the Mint to produce two 25-cent circulation coins, in colour and non-colour, with a design that features an image of 50 children surrounding the Canadian flag and holding it with both hands. Each of these children represents the flag’s 50 years, as well as Canada’s future. The coloured version of the coin will feature the flag in red and white colours.

“One-for-One” Rule

This Order does not impose new administrative costs on business. Therefore, the “One-for-One” Rule does not apply.

Small business lens

This Order does not impose new administrative or compliance costs on small business. Therefore, the small business lens does not apply.

Rationale

The 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag has been identified as a key nation-building milestone by the Interdepartmental Commemorations Committee (ICC) — chaired by the Department of Canadian Heritage — that manages the Government of Canada’s commemorations priorities. Under the ICC’s purview, the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag has been identified as meriting priority commemoration by the Government of Canada.

These 2015 coins celebrate the Canadian flag both as a major milestone in Canada’s national development and as Canada’s most recognizable symbol. Few symbols are as easily recognized, or proudly displayed, by Canadians as the red and white national flag featuring the emblematic red maple leaf. This coin will pay tribute to Canada’s flag to inspire pride in Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

These new 25-cent coins will raise awareness of the Canadian flag’s origins and will serve to educate Canadians of the significance of the flag and how it shaped the country’s identity.

Because these coins are available at face value and circulate widely, public demand is high with many coins being collected and taken out of circulation. Commemorative circulation coin programs create important benefits by contributing to the overall success of the event being celebrated as well as generating additional revenue for the Government.

All coins will be distributed through financial institutions.

Contact

Simon Kamel
Interim Vice-President, Corporate and Legal Affairs 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