Bill 99 2013

An Act to proclaim Terry Fox Day

Preamble

Terry Fox of British Columbia, diagnosed with bone cancer, became a national hero in 1980 when he began a cross-Canada run called the Marathon of Hope to raise funds for cancer research.  He ran 40 kilometres every day for 143 days before his disease forced him to stop halfway across the country.  His fierce determination and remarkable personal courage captured the hearts of Canadians and raised awareness of the need to find a cure for cancer.

He inspired many Canadians to carry on where he left off.  Accordingly, a Terry Fox Run is held in Canada one Sunday each year in September.  On that day participants walk, run, jog or bicycle in memory of Terry Fox and his historic Marathon of Hope.  Other Canadians around the world also mark that day in a similar manner.

It is appropriate to recognize the day of the Terry Fox Run as Terry Fox Day in Ontario.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Terry Fox Day

   1.  In each year, the Sunday in September on which the Terry Fox Run is held is proclaimed as Terry Fox Day.

Commencement

   2.  This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

   3.  The short title of this Act is the Terry Fox Day Act, 2013.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims the Sunday of the Terry Fox Run in September of each year as Terry Fox Day.