On December 16, the Government of Canada announced that Terry Fox, the beloved Canadian and cancer research advocate, will be featured on the new $5 bill. This decision honours his legacy and inspires future generations to continue his fight against cancer.
“Today, we celebrate a true Canadian hero who continues to inspire millions,” the Governor of the Bank of Canada, Tiff Macklem, said in a press conference.
“Terry Fox’s legacy is a testament to the resilience and hope that lives within each of us. We hope this note will remind Canadians of the power of determination and the importance of supporting cancer research,” Macklem said.
Designing a new bank note takes years of preparation and the Bank of Canada says the work on the new $5 note will begin once the new $20 bill, which will honour King Charles, is completed.
“The new $5 note will enter circulation only after the issuance of the next $20 note in early 2027. In the meantime, our current $5 note featuring Canada’s first francophone prime minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, will continue to circulate. Eventually, Sir Wilfrid Laurier will appear on the next version of the $50 note,” the Bank of Canada says.
Terry Fox is also well known to the children of our community. Local schools participate in the annual Terry Fox Run while raising funds to go towards The Terry Fox Foundation. Students are also educated on the important impact he had on the country.
Terry Fox, who became a national symbol of courage and determination and his story resonates deeply with Canadians and people worldwide. Including him on the currency is seen as a fitting tribute to his legacy.
“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,” the Government of Alberta Department of Finance Fall 2024 Economic Statement said.
“By February 1981, the Marathon of Hope had raised $24.7 million or $1 for every Canadian. 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. Today, Terry Fox Runs are held every year, across the country, and around the world to raise money for cancer research. To inspire more Canadians to give $5 to the cause that Terry Fox championed,” the statement reads.
Kelsey Witham
Staff Reporter
