The 25 cent coin for December 1999 was designed by J.L. Pierre Provencher of Nicolet Quebec. Entitled "This is Canada", the coin celebrates the diversity and many faces of Canada. The coin features images of native dwellings, cities, mountains, forests, wheat fields and the wheels of industry.
J.L. Pierre Provencher resides in Nicolet, Quebec and is retired from a 35 year career as a director of purchasing for the Department of National Defence. Throughout his life, he has made full use of his artistic talents. Eighth in a family of twelve, he had to always set aside his desire to study art, and developed his talent through self teaching.
The coin was launched in the annual Christmas Lights Across Canada ceremony in Charlottetown, PEI, on December 2, 1999.