Frontiers Series $5 Note

The $5 note in the Frontiers series was released on 7 November 2013, the same day as the $10 note. The design of the note focuses on the theme of space exploration, including Canada’s ongoing contribution to the International Space Station program through innovations in robotics. The vignette on the back of the note features the Canadian-built Mobile Servicing System. The system consists of the Canadarm2, Dextre and the Mobile Base, which are robotic tools used to help assemble and maintain the space station while in orbit. The image of the astronaut acknowledges all of the Canadians who have contributed to the space program and is based on photographs provided by the Canadian Space Agency. The ring of five stars in the sky does not depict an actual constellation but is an artistic rendering that represents the $5 denomination.

The large window on the note features a miniature colourized version of the portrait of Sir Wilfrid Laurier that appears on the front of the note and a colour-shifting foil image of the tower from the West Block of Parliament.

The unveiling of the $5 note was a unique event. Part of the launch was broadcast live from the International Space Station and featured Canadian astronaut and Space Station Commander, Chris Hadfield. Also participating in the broadcast were Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney and Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, who communicated with Commander Hadfield via a video feed directly from space.