Government of Canada honours Terry fox

September 01, 2009

Thunder Bay, Ontario – The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State for Democratic Reform and Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today commemorated the national historic significance of Terry Fox with the unveiling of a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque.



Terry's parents, Betty and Rolly Fox, joined dignitaries and guests for the plaque unveiling at the Terry Fox Scenic Lookout and Monument located just east of Thunder Bay. The site is located just a few kilometres from the spot in the Municipality of Shuniah where Terry was forced to stop running on September 1, 1980.



"Canadians are all very proud of the accomplishments of Terry Fox and the Government of Canada is honoured to be commemorating him near where he was forced to end his Marathon of Hope," said Minister Fletcher. "In the 29 years since his run ended, Terry Fox's effort to raise both awareness and money in the fight against cancer continues to inspire Canadians and others around the world, and this has made him a Canadian hero and icon."



Terry Fox is a person of national historic significance for his outstanding feat of athleticism; his highly personal and inspirational humanitarian and philanthropic purpose; and as an enduring Canadian icon.



"Our Family is proud to know that Terry is being recognized with a plaque by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. Terry wanted to set an example that would never be forgotten. It's been 29 years since Terry ran the Marathon of Hope, and to know he is seen as someone who has left a significant mark on Canadian History, it's clear that the example that he set, hasn't been forgotten by Canadians," said Terry's mother, Betty Fox.



"The Government of Canada is committed to honouring Canadians who have contributed to making our country great and looks to every opportunity to enhance the profile of our cultural heritage in the mind of Canadians," said Minister Prentice. "Today's ceremony is one more example of our government's commitment to recognize significant people, places and events of Canada.

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On behalf of the people of Canada, Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that commemorate persons, places and events that have shaped Canada's history and which offer visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discovery.



In collaboration with Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises Canada's Environment Minister about the national historic significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada's history.
The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of their historic value and creates public awareness about Canada's rich cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations.



Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada's historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education, appreciation and inspired discovery of all Canadians, today and in the future.