Put Drake on the $20 Bill
Put Drake on the $20 Bill
The Issue
According to the Bank of Canada, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been prominently featured on our bank notes throughout her reign. Her first appearance was as 8-year-old Princess Elizabeth, on the first $20 note issued by the Bank of Canada in 1935. With only one exception, each subsequent series has featured a portrait of the Queen on the $20 denomination.
The monarchy's involvement in Canada's government has always been controversial, particularly among the Indigenous community. Their colonial history negatively impacts millions of Canadian every day, and leaves behind a legacy of slavery, forced migration of people, and the destruction of the local economy of colonized states (Time Magazine) With the passing of the Queen on September the 8th, it is time to reconsider who we want to represent Canada's diverse people and rich history.
One such figure is Canadian rapper & musician Drake. Aubrey Drake Graham is an influential figure in contemporary popular music. He has been credited for popularizing singing and R&B sensibilities in hip hop. He gained recognition by starring as Jimmy Brooks in the CTV teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–08) and subsequently pursued a career in music releasing his debut mixtape Room for Improvement in 2006. Before signing with Young Money Entertainment, he released the mixtapes Comeback Season (2007) and So Far Gone (2009). Besides breaking musical records and receiving many awards for his music, Drake has also supported his fellow Canadians through philanthropy. You can read a full timeline of his philanthropic acts here.
Aubrey is a perfect example of what hard work and perseverance in Canada can help you achieve. As he states in his song "Started From the Bottom", "Living at my mama house we'd argue every month...Now I'm on the road, half a million for a show" (Graham, Aubrey “Started From the Bottom”). Canada is a land of opportunity for those who are willing to put in the effort and "get that bread"; there is no figure that represents that better than Drake.
Fellow Canadians, it is time we separate ourselves from the imperialistic and racist legacy of the British Monarchy. Many Canadians still feel the lasting impacts of the Monarchy's colonial history in their daily lives and together, we have the power to change that. Now is the time to work together and put Drake on the $20 bill.
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The Issue
According to the Bank of Canada, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been prominently featured on our bank notes throughout her reign. Her first appearance was as 8-year-old Princess Elizabeth, on the first $20 note issued by the Bank of Canada in 1935. With only one exception, each subsequent series has featured a portrait of the Queen on the $20 denomination.
The monarchy's involvement in Canada's government has always been controversial, particularly among the Indigenous community. Their colonial history negatively impacts millions of Canadian every day, and leaves behind a legacy of slavery, forced migration of people, and the destruction of the local economy of colonized states (Time Magazine) With the passing of the Queen on September the 8th, it is time to reconsider who we want to represent Canada's diverse people and rich history.
One such figure is Canadian rapper & musician Drake. Aubrey Drake Graham is an influential figure in contemporary popular music. He has been credited for popularizing singing and R&B sensibilities in hip hop. He gained recognition by starring as Jimmy Brooks in the CTV teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–08) and subsequently pursued a career in music releasing his debut mixtape Room for Improvement in 2006. Before signing with Young Money Entertainment, he released the mixtapes Comeback Season (2007) and So Far Gone (2009). Besides breaking musical records and receiving many awards for his music, Drake has also supported his fellow Canadians through philanthropy. You can read a full timeline of his philanthropic acts here.
Aubrey is a perfect example of what hard work and perseverance in Canada can help you achieve. As he states in his song "Started From the Bottom", "Living at my mama house we'd argue every month...Now I'm on the road, half a million for a show" (Graham, Aubrey “Started From the Bottom”). Canada is a land of opportunity for those who are willing to put in the effort and "get that bread"; there is no figure that represents that better than Drake.
Fellow Canadians, it is time we separate ourselves from the imperialistic and racist legacy of the British Monarchy. Many Canadians still feel the lasting impacts of the Monarchy's colonial history in their daily lives and together, we have the power to change that. Now is the time to work together and put Drake on the $20 bill.
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Petition created on September 13, 2022