Halifax native and would be social activist Viola Desmond finally gets her place on the new Canadian $10 bill.
Viola is our version of Rosa Parks. She became famous when she went to a mostly empty theatre and sat in a section that was reserved for whites.
Viola was asked to leave and when she refused police arrested her and threw her in jail. She fought her 1c fine and helped spark Canada's civil rights movement.
The new polymer bill is pretty cool as far as worthless fiat currency goes. It keeps the same color as past $10 notes but proudly features a portrait of Viola, the first time a woman has appeared by herself on the note
This is also the first vertically designed note in Canadian history and I think Viola would be proud if she were still alive, she passed away in 1965.
What made the presentation special was that Viloa's sister Wanda Robson was able to attend the unveiling at the Bank of Canada conference.
After the finance minister asked for the note back Wanda refused stating "she was gonna keep this one." After a round of applause the minister said he didn't have the authority to take it back and that she just couldn't spend it until the end of the year when the bill rolls out.
I for one love the new bill and it's refreshing to see positive social icons on our money rather than some dusty old politician or the reptile mother Queen of England 😛
Let me know what you think of our new $10 note in the comments..
Thanks for reading,
