Justice and Public Safety
May 9, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety:

Provincial Government Welcomes Fred Fox to Newfoundland and Labrador

Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous pride that I rise today to welcome a wonderful friend to Newfoundland and Labrador, and to the district I represent Burgeo-La Poile.

Terry Fox's brother, Fred Fox, is in the province to spend a week visiting school children and thanking residents for their continued support of Terry's cancer research achievements.

When Terry Fox began his journey in St. John's on a cold, wet April morning in 1980, he dreamed of raising $1,000,000.

After the first 25 days and with growing encouragement from residents along the way, Terry stopped in Channel-PortAuxBasques where that town alone raised $10,000.

Mr. Speaker, the generous response from people in PortAuxBasques fired his imagination and a new fundraising goal was set. Terry is known to have asked "Ifthey can raise a dollar for every citizen, why can't we raise a dollar for every Canadian?"

Today, Terry's great wish for people to realize how "dreams are made possible if you try" is more alive than ever with more than $650 million having been raised worldwide in his name.

His legacy is so significant that this government anticipates bringing forward a private member's motion during this sitting of the House of Assembly to formally proclaim the second Sunday after Labour Day each year as Terry Fox Day.

I ask my fellow members to please join me in welcoming Fred Fox back to Newfoundland and Labrador where Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope - and where an amazing donation by an incredible community helped Terry realize his goal and gave his dream a momentum that endures.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.

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2016 05 09                              1:55 p.m.