Toronto/CMEDIA: Canadian hero Terry Fox is reportedly being recognized by the federal government to be featured on the next $5 bank note, officials revealed Monday.
Nearly five years ago the process of replacing Sir Wilfrid Laurier on the bill began by the Bank of Canada’s holding an open nomination for the honour and received upwards of 600 submissions.
These nominees were narrowed down to a shortlist of eight names by an independent advisory council and Canadians were surveyed on their choice from that selection.
Other nominees included Arctic artist Pitseolak Ashoona, French-Canadian journalist Robertine “Françoise” Barry, Indigenous soldier Binaaswi Francis Pegahmagabow, Canadian-Chinese advocate Won Alexander Cumyow, humanitarian Lotta Hitschmanova, Indigenous peacekeeper Isapo-muxika or Sahpo Muxika ‘Crowfoot’, and Mohawk chief and veteran Onondeyoh Frederick Ogilvie Loft.
The ultimate decision came down to Chrystia Freeland, as finance minister.
Hours after Freeland resigned Monday afternoon from her cabinet position, her choice of ‘Terry Fox’ was released in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement (FES).
In a statement, the Fox family thanked everyone involved with compiling, reviewing and voting on those nominees.
“We are truly grateful,” the family said, in a statement provided by the Terry Fox Foundation.
“We hope when the ‘Terry Fox fiver’ lands in the wallets and pockets of Canadians, that they will consider Terry’s vision of eradicating cancer through research.”
The FES says the federal government is putting Canadian hero Terry Fox on the new $5 bill to honour his Marathon of Hope and his efforts to raise money for cancer research.
Born in 1958, and at 18, Terry was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, or bone cancer, in his right leg. It was amputated 15 centimetres above the knee in 1977.
After managing to raise $24.7 million for cancer research – achieving his dream of collecting $1 for every person living in Canada at that time — his journey was tragically cut short by his hospitalization in 1981.
“By February 1981, the Marathon of Hope had raised $24.7 million or $1 for every Canadian,” the FES says. “His run was interrupted just past the half-way point when the cancer reached his lungs, and ultimately took his life.
“Through his efforts, the 22-year-old showed Canadians the difference that an ordinary person could make through sheer willpower and determination.”
Former Liberal prime minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier will be moved from the $5 bank bill to the next version of Canada’s $50
According to the Terry Fox Foundation, roughly $800 million more for cancer research have been raised since then by the annual Terry Fox Runs that have been held throughout Canada and in several other countries.
Both David Eby, B.C. Premier and Brad West, Port Coquitlam Mayor applauded on social media the move to celebrate Fox on Canada’s currency.
“His courage and determination continues to inspire and unite not just his hometown of Port Coquitlam, but people from all over the world,” West wrote Monday.
His efforts are a testimony to the Canadians that sheer willpower and determination of an ordinary person could make difference.
Terry Fox Runs continue in communities across Canada to raise funds and awareness for cancer research and support.
