Canada marks coronation of King Charles III with national ceremony in Ottawa
CBC
King Charles III will replace his predecessor, the late Queen Elizabeth II, on Canada's coins and $20 bill after being officially being crowned Canada's sovereign.
The process of creating a new $20 bill is expected to take a few years. Current Canadian money bearing the likeness of Elizabeth II will remain legal tender.
The Canadian ceremony marking the coronation of the new King was held in the nation's capital Saturday morning. The ceremony at the Sir John A. MacDonald building in Ottawa included speeches, musical performances and a 21-gun-salute.
CBC's coverage of the coronation of King Charles will continue as the Canadian coronation ceremony gets underway at 10 a.m. ET.
After some brief opening remarks, Algonquin poet and spiritual adviser Albert Dumont made a statement reflecting on Indigenous people's past and future relationship with the Crown.
"The trees sway joyfully in remembrance of a time long ago before the power of the British sword destroyed the tranquility of gentle Turtle Island," he said. "Today, a vow made from afar brings hope that honour will again grace the circle from which the wampum of peace and friendship is held tightly… by the good spirit."
Charles met with Indigenous leaders earlier this week who said they hope the meeting marks the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples.
Dumont's statement was followed by an Algonquin circle drum performance by the Eagle River Singers. Other musical performances from the ceremony included Quebec's Florence K and P.E.I.'s Inn Echo.
While the ceremony was fairly subdued compared to the one held in the U.K., it marked some changes to Canada's royal symbols.
The Royal Canadian Mint unveiled a new set of collector coins marking the occasion. Likewise, Canada Post unveiled a stamp depicting King Charles, continuing a more than 170-year tradition of issuing postage stamps bearing the face of Canada's sovereign.
Procurement Minister Helena Jaczek, who is responsible for Canada Post, said unveiling the new stamp was "a wonderful way to commemorate the historic moment."
"The coronation is a momentous occasion for Canadians and people throughout the Commonwealth," she said. "It is only fitting that it be celebrated on a Canadian stamp, continuing a long-standing tradition."
The government also unveiled a new design of the Canadian crown, a symbol which sits atop Canada's coat of arms.
The previous crown featured symbols such as a cross at the top and a circlet of gold crosses and Fleur-de-Lys. The new iteration replaces those symbols with a likeness of an Order of Canada Medal on top and a ring and gold maple leaves.
