Harper's Conservatives commit to new funding for cancer research

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, and millions of people across Canada, and around the world, will be honouring his name by participating in Terry Fox Runs and raising money for cancer research through the Terry Fox Foundation.

“Terry Fox is a true Canadian hero,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement. “His Marathon of Hope and determination to find a cure for cancer embodied values that Canadians hold dear – like courage, optimism and a belief that ordinary Canadians can achieve extraordinary things.”

Today, the Conservative Party took the milestone’s opportunity to announce a commitment to improve the health of Canadians by supporting three new measures connected to Terry’s fight against cancer.

“Our government is committed to a publicly-funded, universally accessible and sustainable health care system,” the Honourable James Moore (who will not be seeking re-election after 15 years in parliament) said today, alongside Laureen Harper and Tim Laidler (Conservative candidate for Port Moody-Coquitlam), pledging that a re-elected Conservative government would:

Match donations from this year’s Terry Fox Run to a maximum of $35 million
Provide capital funding of $12.5 million to help establish the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Centre in Vancouver, along with other levels of government and private donors
Renew its commitment to the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, which works with cancer groups and experts across the country to treat and prevent cancer

In August, Harper announced that a Conservative government would give the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, an organization created by the Conservatives in 2006, a renewed five-year mandate along with $50 million per year starting 2017.

Mrs. @LaureenHarper speaks about #TerryFox #portmoody team @douglas_horne @manifallon pic.twitter.com/NcaTTnQUlV

— Saji (@SAJISAHOTA) September 20, 2015

Laureen Harper speaking about the importance of Terry Fox. pic.twitter.com/pZ9qggdCUq

— Kenny Mason (@krmason7) September 20, 2015

In the heart of Port Moody the #conservatives gather in front of Laureen Harper. Already mentioned Terry Fox 3 times. pic.twitter.com/pGlPoiOiSG

— Julia Foy (@juliadfoy) September 20, 2015

James Moore speaking about Terry Fox in Port Moody. pic.twitter.com/KRawlCRGtv

— Kenny Mason (@krmason7) September 20, 2015

.@LaureenHarper talks about doing the Terry Fox Run this a.m. in B.C. #elxn42 pic.twitter.com/AF4HOzjWNJ

— Geordon Omand (@gwomand) September 20, 2015

NDP’s Tom Mulcair spent the day in St. John’s, Newfoundland promising to increase spending on social programs, re-open a maritime rescue centre in St. John’s and re-open the coast guard centres in both St. John’s and St. Anthony.

Thank you, St. John’s. With your help and support, we can and we will elect an NDP government. —TM pic.twitter.com/0pjFfAOMUQ

— Tom Mulcair (@ThomasMulcair) September 20, 2015

While Liberal’s Justin Trudeau was in Halifax, Nova Scotia committing to get rid of the F-35 fighter jet program and instead use the money primarily to invest in the navy.

Image: Justin Trudeau / Facebook

About Terry Fox

A Canadian hero, Terry had a plan to run from coast to coast – from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Vancouver, B.C. – to raise money for cancer research. His struggle with bone cancer at age 18 forced doctors to amputate his leg just above his knee, but that wouldn’t stop him in accomplishing his goal. The Marathon of Hope began on April 12, 1980 and Terry managed to run over 5,000 kilometres to Thunder Bay when, on September 1, 1980, was forced to stop after his cancer returned.

Sadly, on June 28, 1981, Terry passed away at the age of 22, but his legacy lives on today.

To make a donation in support of the Terry Fox Foundation, please visit terryfox.org.