The Bank of Canada officially launched Canada’s new $5 bank note into circulation today.

Unveiled at a special ceremony in Montréal, the $5 bill is the latest addition to the new Canadian Journey series introduced in January 2001 with the launch of the $10 note.

The redesigned $5 note includes sophisticated security features that further enhance the security of Canada’s currency. Entitled Children at Play, the new note features images of children tobogganing, learning to skate, and playing hockey.

David Dodge, Governor of the Bank of Canada and Paul Martin, Minister of Finance were joined at the unveiling by Jean Béliveau, former NHL hockey player for the Montréal Canadiens, Kim St. Pierre, member of the gold-medal- winning Canadian Olympic women’s hockey team in Salt Lake City, and Myriam Bédard, two-time Olympic gold medallist in the biathlon.

“The new $5 note pays homage to children as Canada’s future, and play as a healthy part of their physical, social, and cultural development,” said Minister Martin. “It is also a celebration of Canada’s northern climate where our winter pastimes — in particular the game of hockey — reflect our sporting heritage.”

The new $5 note is blue, and a newly engraved, larger portrait of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canada’s first French- Canadian prime minister, is featured on the front of the note along with a vignette of the West Block of Parliament.

The redesigned bill includes many security features designed to thwart counterfeiters, such as raised ink, iridescent maples leaves, and a hidden number. The $5 bank note incorporates the same security features found on the new $10 bill.