Vol. 147, No. 22 — October 23, 2013

Registration

SOR/2013-177 October 9, 2013

ROYAL CANADIAN MINT ACT

Order Authorizing the Issue and Determining the Composition, Dimensions and Designs of two Twenty-five Cent Circulation Coins

P.C. 2013-1064 October 9, 2013

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,

REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENT

(This statement is not part of the Order.)

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.

Pursuant to 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 and determine the design of any circulation coin to be issued. Thus, this Order authorizes the Royal Canadian Mint to produce coins with the proposed new designs.

Issue

The Royal Canadian Mint wishes to produce two circulation coins as part of the Commemorative Circulation Coin Program to celebrate the centennial of the Canadian Arctic Expedition (1913–1918).

The First Canadian Arctic Expedition, which took place from 1913 to 1918, celebrates its centennial in 2013. The Canadian Arctic Expedition ranks as one of the boldest undertakings in the history of exploration. Aided by the Inuit and travelling by dogsled, Canadian explorers mapped most of Arctic Canada, helping to strengthen Canada’s claim to sovereignty over the Arctic.

The First Canadian Arctic Expedition has been identified as a nationally significant historical milestone by the Interdepartmental Commemorations Committee and designated as a commemoration priority by the Government of Canada.

The First Canadian Arctic Expedition was the first major multi-disciplinary scientific research study undertaken in the Canadian Arctic. Beginning in 1913, anthropologist Vilhjalmur Stefansson led an international team of scientists, sailors, and guides to undertake research and exploration in the western Arctic.

Over the course of five years, the Expedition’s work led to unparalleled discoveries, including the discovery of previously unknown islands and the collection of thousands of photographs, specimens, and artifacts. These discoveries further defined Canada’s northern boundaries and provided significant scientific and cultural knowledge of the Arctic and Northern peoples. The Expedition also made significant impacts on the North, including the introduction of new knowledge, tools, and industry to the Inuit and Inuvialuit, as well as the establishment of new settlements.

Objectives

Description

This Order authorizes the issuance of two circulation coins:  25¢ First Canadian Arctic Expedition — Exploration and 25¢ First Canadian Arctic Expedition — Life in the North and determines their design. Both circulation coin designs feature artistic renderings based on the themes.

The 25¢ coin, First Canadian Arctic Expedition — Exploration, commemorates the centennial of the first Canadian Arctic Expedition. This design features a partial reproduction of an actual photograph of the First Canadian Arctic Expedition, against a backdrop of a compass pointing to the North.

The 25¢ coin, First Canadian Arctic Expedition — Life in the North, portrays life in the Arctic from the Inuit perspective. This design depicts two beluga whales and one stylized bowhead whale to reflect various aspects of Inuit life. Traditional Inuit whaling boats, kayaks and a partial image of a bowhead whale appear around the edge of the coin.

Consultation

The Royal Canadian Mint (the Mint) has consulted with the Interdepartmental Commemoration Committee and the First Canadian Arctic Expedition Working Group (chaired by the Department of Canadian Heritage) in the development of this coin program.

The Mint also consulted with subject matter experts to validate the accuracy of the coin images and their designs.

“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 costs on business. Therefore,the small business lens does not apply.

Rationale

The First Canadian Arctic Expedition has been identified as a nationally significant historical milestone by the Interdepartmental Commemorations Committee (the Committee), which is chaired by the Department of Canadian Heritage and manages the Government of Canada’s commemorations priorities. Under the Committee’s purview, the First Canadian Arctic Expedition has been identified as meriting consideration as a “Section A” priority, a priority accorded to nation-building milestones.

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.

The Royal Canadian Mint has had success with previously issued coins commemorating significant nation-building milestones, such as the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, which have proved to be popular and sought after by Canadians.

Contact

Marguerite F. Nadeau, Q.C.
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: nadeau@mint.ca