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e-3005 (Culture and heritage)

E-petition
Initiated by Tony Gabriel from Burlington, Ontario

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:
  • Terry Fox has become a national symbol and is a true hero, universally admired for his ability to remind us of the power of hope and the possibility of dreams;
  • His example of grit, determination and selflessness have formed the embodiment of the modern Canadian identity;
  • After following extensive consultation, the Bank of Canada has submitted an eight-person short list to the Minister of Finance to select the next Canadian to be featured on the five dollars bank note; and
  • Terry Fox is one of the eight on the shortlist.
We, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to select Terry Fox as the finalist for the next great Canadian to be honoured and featured on the back of the newly proposed five dollars bank note.

Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia Freeland

The accomplishments of distinguished Canadians are an integral part of our history and culture.  Their representation on our bank notes is an important means to reflect our shared character and values.  The Bank of Canada, on behalf of the Government, has taken an open and transparent approach on the selection of the portrait for the new $5 bank note. 

The Bank launched official public consultations in 2020, receiving about 53,000 submissions from about        45, 000 Canadians which resulted in over 600 qualifying nominees. All eligible nominations were reviewed by an independent Advisory Council composed of eminent individuals from the academia, cultural sector, and civil society.

With the help of public opinion research and additional historical research, the Advisory Council established a short list of eight candidates from which the Government will select the iconic Canadian who will be the portrait subject of the $5 bank note. 

As mentioned in your petition, Terry Fox is one of the eight iconic Canadians on the shortlist. Each of these people deserve recognition for their remarkable contributions to Canada. They all overcame barriers, fought for their ideals, and have inspired generations.

The Government is pleased that thousands of Canadians engaged in this process and took time to reflect on the many remarkable Canadians worth celebrating.  The Government will take this petition under careful consideration as we deliberate on the overall design of the $5 bank note. The Government will continue to invite all Canadians to learn about the stories of these incredible people, regardless of which candidate is selected.

Open for signature
December 3, 2020, at 4:06 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
January 2, 2021, at 4:06 p.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Pam Damoff (Oakville North—Burlington)
January 28, 2021 (Petition No. 432-00452)
Government response tabled
March 22, 2021
Photo - Pam Damoff
Oakville North—Burlington
Liberal Caucus
Ontario