The backside of a Canadian $100 banknote is seen in this undated handout image. The Bank of Canada has apologized for the way the image an "Asian-looking'' woman was removed from the initial design for new $100 banknotes. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Bank of Canada - HO
August 20, 2012 - 10:20 AM
OTTAWA - The Bank of Canada has apologized for the way the image an "Asian-looking" woman was removed from the initial design for new $100 banknotes.
Governor Mark Carney says in a release today that he apologizes to anyone who was offended by the decision.
He said the bank's handling of the issue did not meet the standards expected of the institution.
The central bank came under fire last week when The Canadian Press revealed that the image of an Asian-looking woman was removed from the design after some focus groups complained.
Another image of a Caucasian-looking woman was substituted.
A spokeswoman for the Chinese Canadian National Council called the move racist, and demanded the bank change its policies.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012