- Pause on Digital Dollar Plans
- Canadians' Stance on Digital Dollar
- Politicians' Opinions and Current State
After five years of research, Canada has decided to abandon its plans to launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC). Instead, Canada will focus on broader retail payment systems and policy development.
Pause on Digital Dollar Plans
The Bank of Canada, in a research paper released earlier this year, claimed a digital Canadian dollar would help citizens maintain financial stability and monetary sovereignty. This decision comes amidst a drastic decline in the use of cash in Canada. Confirming the change in plans, a document titled “Digital Canadian Dollar” stated: “With this work completed, and with other payments issues gaining prominence, the Bank is scaling down its work on a retail central bank digital currency and shifting its focus to broader payments system research and policy development.”
Canadians' Stance on Digital Dollar
Despite economists' claims that CBDCs are important to the economy, the idea of a digital Canadian dollar has yet to catch on with many Canadians. Data from the central bank in November 2023 showed that 80% of those surveyed were firmly against the Bank of Canada's research and development of a digital dollar.
Politicians' Opinions and Current State
Additionally, key individuals in Canadian politics, including Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, strongly oppose the concept of a CBDC. Poilievre argues that it could result in “politicized banking” and pose privacy risks. He advises Canadians to invest in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to safeguard their wealth amid rising inflation in Canada. Reports indicate that most major economies have moved away from CBDC plans in 2024. The UK and Australia have shifted their focus from launching retail CBDCs to more research and wholesale CBDCs.
Canada has decided to pause its plans for implementing a central bank digital currency amid low public support and political opposition. Instead, the country will focus its efforts on improving payment systems and policy development.
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