Terry Fox, a celebrated Canadian icon and enduring symbol of hope, will soon appear on the next $5 bank note. Fox was an exceptional athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist, renowned for his 1980 Marathon of Hope, during which he ran across Canada to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. The federal government announced this decision in its fall economic statement, highlighting Fox’s remarkable contributions to the fight against cancer and his enduring legacy.
At just 18 years old, Terry Fox was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma and endured 16 months of treatment before losing his leg to cancer. This life-changing experience motivated him to take action and bring an end to the suffering caused by cancer. Fox embarked on a cross-Canada run, aiming to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Over 143 days, he ran an incredible 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles), uniting Canadians in the fight against cancer.
Unfortunately, his journey was cut short when the cancer spread to his lungs. Despite this, his legacy lives on through the annual Terry Fox Run, which now involves millions of participants across more than 60 countries and had raised over C$850 million for cancer research as of September 2022. During his Marathon of Hope, Fox raised more than $24 million—equivalent to $1 for every Canadian at the time—and became the youngest person to receive the Companion of the Order of Canada before his passing in 1981.
In 2020, the Bank of Canada conducted a six-week public consultation, narrowing down over 600 nominations to eight iconic Canadians, including Terry Fox. His selection for the $5 bill was described in the fall economic statement as a tribute that aims to inspire Canadians to donate $5 to the cancer research cause he championed. The statement also celebrated the 22-year-old’s legacy, which demonstrated to Canadians that ordinary people could make a significant impact through courage and determination.
Fox will replace former prime minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier, who currently appears on the $5 bill. Laurier will be featured on the $50 note instead, while decisions regarding William Lyon Mackenzie King, currently on the $50 bill, remain unclear. Fox’s hometown of Port Coquitlam played a crucial role in advocating for this honour, with Mayor Brad West writing to the Bank of Canada to express support. West described Fox’s legacy as one that transcends differences and expressed immense pride on behalf of the city that their hometown hero will soon be the new face of Canada’s $5 bill.
