The 2011 Frontier banknotes have the same colour as those of the same denomination in the 2001 Canadian Journey series. Use of the polymer substrate results in banknotes with a smoother texture than previous paper-based banknotes but are the same size and of similar thickness. Frontier banknotes weigh and are thick, compared to 2001 Canadian Journey banknotes that weigh and are thick. All banknotes have dimensions of . The portraits appearing on the banknotes are of the same personalities as those of the respective denomination of the 2001 Canadian Journey series but are oriented so they look at the viewer. The 2011 Frontier series is the first series issued by the Bank of Canada printed on a material other than paper, and Canada is now one of over 30 nations using polymer thin films for printing currency. To familiarize Canadians with the new banknotes, each denomination was introduced through national and regional unveiling events and advertising campaigns before being put into circulation. The banknotes are non-porous and were expected to remain cleaner as they would not absorb sweat, oils, or other liquids and would stay in circulation longer than paper-based banknotes. $5 note The $5 note is blue, and the obverse features a portrait of Wilfrid Laurier, the Prime Minister of Canada between 1896 and 1911. It is based on a photograph in the collections of Library and Archives Canada. The building in the holographic metallic foil is the West Block of Parliament Hill, based on a photograph commissioned by the Bank of Canada. The reverse features simplified renderings of the Canadarm2 and Dextre, reflecting Canada's contribution to the International Space Station program. The depiction of the astronaut represents "all Canadians who have contributed to the space program and the scientific research conducted on board the International Space Station", and thus omits all mission and rank identification other than the Canadian flag patch. The image is a simplified rendering based on a photograph from the Canadian Space Agency. Five stars are dispersed throughout the reverse, representing the denomination, and a rendering of Earth showing Canada and the Great Lakes based on an image from Natural Resources Canada is visible beneath the astronaut and Mobile Servicing System. Unveiling The prototype $5 banknote with no serial number was unveiled by Chris Hadfield on 30 April 2013 from the International Space Station during Expedition 35. It was first issued after a national ceremony