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News Release - Manitoba

May 4, 2015

Manitoba Government Introduces Legislation that would Honour Terry Fox, Support Cancer Research



The Manitoba government has introduced legislation that would establish the first Monday in August as Terry Fox Day and the second Sunday in September after Labour Day as Terry Fox Run Day, Health Minister Sharon Blady announced today.

“Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg and went on to become a national symbol for hope, courage and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds,” said Minister Blady.  “This new legislation will ensure his memory and his enduring legacy are never forgotten in our province, and support ongoing cancer awareness and fundraising activities for cancer research carried out in his name.”

The minister noted membersof the public have called for the Manitoba government to recognize Fox’s contributions in a more official way.  The proposed legislation would legally establish a Terry Fox Day and a Terry Fox Run Day to honour his memory and legacy, Minister Blady said.

"Terry’s roots are in Manitoba where he lived the first eight of his 22 years,” said Rolly Fox, Terry’s father.  “We are very thankful that the province has recognized our son, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin in this way and, more importantly, his living legacy of eradicating cancer through research.”

The proposed new act is expected to take effect later this year, the minister said.

For more information on the Terry Fox Foundation, visit www.terryfox.org.

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