Canadian icon Terry Fox, who famously ran across Canada to raise money for cancer research, has been selected to appear on the next version of the $5 bank note, according to the Liberals’ fall economic statement.
After having to have his leg amputated as a result of his cancer diagnosis, Fox began a cross-country run that started in Newfoundland and Labrador when he dipped his prosthetic leg in the Atlantic Ocean.
His marathon was cut short in Thunder Bay, Ont. when his disease could no longer allow him to continue onward towards the B.C. coast.
“Terry Fox is a Canadian hero. He campaigned to raise awareness and funding for cancer research by running his Marathon of Hope, a cross-Canada 42-km daily run, on his prosthetic leg. By February 1981, the Marathon of Hope had raised $24.7 million or $1 for every Canadian,” reads a statement from the federal government.
“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.”
Fox will replace former prime minister Sir Wilfred Laurier, who will soon appear on the $50 note.
Fox’s legacy lives on with annual Terry Fox runs being held across the globe, continuing to raise money for cancer research, amounting to over $850 million raised since its inception.
The Fox family released a statement in response to the news, referring to it as the “Terry Fox fiver.”
“We are truly grateful to MP Chrystia Freeland, the hard work of the independent Advisory Council and all Canadians for voting and/or nominating that resulted in this honour featuring Terry on the new $5 bill,” reads the family’s statement.
“Terry had difficulty accepting praise or recognition for his Marathon of Hope efforts. However, he did crave money, not for himself, but was always looking for the next dollar raised for cancer research.”
Public consultations were held with over 45,000 Canadians as to who the new face of the $5 dollar bill should be, with the Bank of Canada revealing its shortlist of eight nominees in 2020.
The central bank’s shortlist included Pitseolak Ashoona, Robertine Barry, Isapo-Muxika, also known as “Crowfoot,” Binaaswi (Francis Pegahmagabow), Won Alexander Cumyow, Lotta Hitschmanova and Onondeyoh (Frederick Ogilvie Loft).
“We would like to acknowledge the accomplishments of all those nominated and especially the seven other short-listed candidates and their meaningful and important contributions,” wrote Fox’s family.
It was the Marathon of Hope runner’s hometown city of Port Coquitlam, B.C. that launched the campaign to have him nominated for the position.
“Terry Fox’s legacy transcends differences — his courage and determination continues to inspire and unite not just his hometown of Port Coquitlam, but people from all over the world,” wrote Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West in a social media post.
“On behalf of the people of Port Coquitlam, I want to express our immense pride that our hometown hero is being honoured as the new face on Canada’s $5 bill.”
Although he was originally born in Winnipeg, Fox was raised in the B.C. town.
“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,” said the Fox family.