Grading Canadian Tire money is similar to grading any banknote.
UNC Uncirculated: An original note, crisp and clean as when new and without any creases or blemishes. Colours have original brightness. The note may be off-center.
AU About Uncirculated: This note is an UNC note that has been mishandled, showing minor bends, ripples or folds in the paper especially in the corners and along the borders. This note will not have been folded in two.
EF Extremely Fine: Crisp and clean as when new, but with very minor (counting) creases and only one center fold or crease. Colours have original brightness. Corners may show slight signs of rounding.
VF Very Fine: Fairly crisp and clean, but with some creases and other signs of having been in circulation. This note will usually have no more than two center folds. No serious soiling or fading of colours. Corners are often round.
FINE Fine: A well circulated note but still firm with some soiling or fading of colours. This note will have more than two folds but when held, should still be firm and not be limp.
VG Very Good: A note, with several signs of edge fraying, minor damage at corners and perhaps some soiling and fading of colours. Some wear evident at creases. Note is usually limp.
Defects such as staple holes, tears, ink, stains, tape repairs and other such defects should be noted also. Notes that are well centred will be described as such. If they are not described as well centred, assume that they are not.