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New $10 bill unveiled, featuring civil rights icon Viola Desmond

Canada’s newest bank note was unveiled during a ceremony in Halifax today by Finance Minister Bill Morneau and Bank of Canada Governor Stephen S. Poloz.
Viola Desmond $10 bill

Canada’s newest bank note was unveiled during a ceremony in Halifax today by Finance Minister Bill Morneau and Bank of Canada Governor Stephen S. Poloz.

The bill features Viola Desmond, a human rights icon whom you might remember from a Heritage Minute (below, in case you don’t).

It’s going into circulation later in this year, marking the first time a Canadian woman has been featured on a circulation bill in Canada.

The back side features the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, meant to shine a light on “Canada’s ongoing pursuit of rights and freedoms”.

Another something to note about the bill is that it has a vertical design, which is another first, yet not quite as noteworthy.

You can explore the design in depth here.