Canada to examine crypto, stablecoins and CBDCs in new budget
Canada’s government stated its concerns about the risks digital assets and the digitalization of money may pose to its financial system as a reason for launching the consultation.
The Canadian federal government is set to launch a consultation on cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) as revealed in its new mini-budget.
The government’s “2022 Fall Economic Statement,” released on Nov. 3 by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, works as a fiscal update in conjunction with its main yearly budget.
The statement included a small section on “Addressing the Digitalization of Money” that outlined the government’s crypto plans.
It said the rise in cryptocurrencies and money digitalization is “transforming financial systems in Canada and around the world” and the country’s financial system regulation “needs to keep pace.”
The statement opined that money digitalization “poses a challenge to democratic institutions around the world,” highlighting cryptocurrencies’ use in sanctions avoidance and illicit activity financing both domestically and abroad.
In the statement, the government said consultations with stakeholders on digital currencies, stablecoins, and CBDCs are being launched on Nov. 3, although exactly which stakeholders will be engaged remains unclear.
The announced consultations are understood to be part of the government’s intention to launch a “financial sector legislative review focused on the digitalization of money and maintaining financial sector stability and security,” which was part of the 2022 budget released on April 7.
This review will also examine the “potential need” of a Canadian CBDC in light of these risks.
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