OTTAWA, ONTARIO, October 10, 2006 — It's official! The Royal Canadian Mint is pleased to announce that the name for the Toonie Polar Bear is Churchill. When the Name Our Polar Bear Contest closed on October 5, 2006, 166,635 votes were cast.



"A big thank you to everyone who voted for their favourite name," says Churchill.

"Finally having a name feels a lot like the first time I slid down an iceberg: You don't know what to expect, but it's exciting and a lot of fun!"



The winning name, Churchill, won with 34 per cent of the total votes, while Wilbert was runner-up with 26 per cent and Plouf placed third with 15 per cent.



Canadians who voted online also had the opportunity to enter a grand prize draw to win a trip for four to beautiful Manitoba. Winners will first be taken on a VIP tour of the Royal Canadian Mint's state-of-the-art Winnipeg facility, then travel to Churchill, Manitoba to observe real polar bears in their natural habitat. Several runner-up prizes were also available. The grand prize winner will be announced on or before October 23, 2006.



About the 10th anniversary Toonie

It has been 10 years since the introduction of the two-dollar coin. The Royal Canadian Mint is marking this anniversary with a commemorative version of the Toonie. Designed by Ontario artist Tony Bianco, the coin depicts the polar bear in a new pose. Up to five

million of these commemorative coins entered into circulation on August 28th. Canadians are encouraged to look for them in their change collections.



About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint, an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. In operation since 1908, The Royal Canadian Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Royal Canadian Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.



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For more information:

Visit the Royal Canadian Mint on the web at: www.mint.ca.

Or contact:

Christine Aquino

Senior Manager, Corporate Communications

Royal Canadian Mint

Tel: 613-993-9999

Tel: (613) 991-5342

aquino@mint.ca



Jennifer Field

Account Director

Hill & Knowlton Ottawa

Tel: 613-786-9956

jennifer.field@hillandknowlton.ca