Royal Canadian Mint cancels Frederick Banting coin after directive to confront ‘colonialism, patriarchy and racism’

Banting was awarded the Military Cross for heroism during the First World War. He then went on to head the research team that discovered how to make artificial insulin in 1921. He was later awarded the 1923 Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work, and famously sold the patent for the insulin for a dollar.

The exact reason for Banting's cancellation is not clear, but there is a wave of officially-promoted erasure of popular figures from Canada's past on social media and in real life.

The Mint would not comment on the specifics of why Banting's likeness was removed, and only released the following generic statement:

"Public demand is high with many people collecting coins. The Mint produces commemorative circulation coins as a means to assist in the promotion of Canada’s heritage as well as Canadian values, culture and history,"

"These special coins engage the Canadian public while raising awareness about topics, stories and events of importance to Canadians."

"These coins [which used to feature Banting's face] would serve as tangible keepsakes of this life-saving innovation. Insulin therapy has improved and saved the lives of countless millions."

A government directive released in 2019 titled Framework For History And Commemoration has the following to say on the issue:

"In Canadian history colonialism, patriarchy and racism are examples of ideologies and structures that have profound legacies. There is a need to be cognizant of, and to confront, these legacies. This contributes to the ongoing process of truth-telling and reconciliation."

"Cancel culture" is happening all over the world, and many big names are starting to speak out against it.