Canadian MP, Ed Holder, is hosting a poll on his website, asking people whether Canada should eliminate the penny [h/t JB]. As of this writing (Saturday evening) 57% say "yes". Quite frankly I'm surprised and disappointed that the number isn't as high as 80% or higher. Here in Regina, nearly every merchant rounds down for cash purchases to avoid having to use pennies.
As many of you know, I have advocated the elimination of the one-cent coin in Canada for more than two decades. Both Australia and New Zealand have eliminated their one-cent and two-cent coins (and five-cent coins in New Zealand), leading to great savings in metal, distribution costs, and customer waiting times. Canadians will benefit greatly from following their lead.
For more, please see my earlier postings on the penny. Probably the best summary of my views appears here.