TORONTO, April 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- While Canadians'
are known for their strongly held values of diversity, inclusion
and equality, for many years, LGBTQ2 Canadians were not treated
equally. Today, the Royal Canadian Mint is proud to launch a
one-dollar circulation coin
commemorating 50 years of progress in recognizing the rights of
LGBTQ2 Canadians. It was a 1969 Act of Parliament that marked
the initial milestone on the journey to equality for LGBTQ2
communities by decriminalizing homosexual acts between two
consenting people of 21 years or older. The new coin,
combining the words "EQUALITY-ÉGALITÉ" with the signature work of
Vancouver artist Joe Average,
starts circulating today. It was also launched through an official
unveiling at the 519 Community Centre, in Toronto, Ontario.
"For the past 50 years and beyond, Canadians have fought for
their right to love, marry, start a family and live openly as their
most authentic selves," said Bill
Morneau, Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for
Toronto Centre. "The Equality coin recognizes their triumphs and
encourages all of us to build a better, more inclusive Canada – because like the coin itself, the
more equality we have in Canada,
the richer we all are."
"Today is an important day for the LGBTQ2 community, and for all
Canadians, as this commemorative coin enters circulation," said
Randy Boissonnault, Special Advisor
to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 Issues. "It is an opportunity to
reflect on a landmark event in our country's history, and a
reminder of the progress still to be made as we work toward
inclusion and equality for all LGBTQ2 Canadians."
"The Mint plays a significant role in celebrating Canada's culture, history and values through
coins. Marking 50 years since a landmark decision that began a
process of legal reforms to recognize the rights of LGBTQ2
Canadians is a powerful way to recognize Canada's profound belief in equality and
inclusion," said Marie Lemay,
President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "The Mint constantly
strives to live these values, and our employees are proud to share
the message of equality through this new commemorative circulation
coin."
Joe Average is a Vancouver-based artist whose early interest in
drawing and photography led him to dedicate his life to his art
when he was diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1984. The design he
created for the reverse of this coin is a stylized celebration of
equality viewed through an LGBTQ2 perspective. The image of two
intertwined faces reflects gender fluidity and the spectrum of
genders and is left open to interpretation: they may belong to two
individuals or they may represent different aspects of one's
identity.
The reverse includes the words "EQUALITY" and "ÉGALITÉ" on two
curved bands, as well as the double dates "1969" and "2019" to mark
50 years since the process of decriminalizing homosexual acts was
initiated in Canada. The obverse
features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by
Susanna Blunt, in use on Canadian
coins since 2003.
Limited to a mintage of three million, the one-dollar "Equality" circulation coin is now
entering general circulation and will be available through several
public coin exchanges to be announced soon (limited to Canada only).
This coin can also be collected in a special wrap roll of 25
uncirculated coins, retailing for $54.95 and limited to a mintage of 15,000
rolls. Joe Average's artwork is also celebrated on a full
colour, 99.99% pure silver collector version of the "Equality"
coin, which retails for $49.95 and is
limited to a mintage of 15,000.
These collectibles can be ordered by contacting the Mint at
1-800-267-1871 in Canada,
1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca/equality. They
can also be found at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques, as well
as through the Mint's global network of dealers and distributors,
including participating Canada Post outlets.
About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint
is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and
distribution of Canada's
circulation coins. An ISO 9001 certified corporation, the Mint is
recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the
world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage
products and related services on an international scale. For more
information on the Mint, its products and services, visit
www.mint.ca.
For images of the "Equality" circulation coin, click:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ozg81gpgxrqvvgx/AACVnYx__2Aq1vhXDcS5ZwKQa?dl=0
Media are asked to contact: Alex
Reeves, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Royal Canadian Mint,
Telephone: +1-613-884-6370, reeves@mint.ca