Terry Fox to Appear on Canada’s New $5 Banknote

Terry Fox, a national icon celebrated for his Marathon of Hope, has been chosen as the new face of Canada’s $5 banknote. The change will see Fox replace Sir Wilfrid Laurier, who will move to the redesigned $50 bill.

Fox, who lost his right leg to cancer, began his Marathon of Hope in April 1980 to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Running an average of 42 kilometres daily on a prosthetic leg, he covered 5,373 kilometres before his cancer returned, forcing him to end the journey near Thunder Bay, Ont. By February 1981, Fox’s efforts had raised $24.7 million—equivalent to $1 for every Canadian at the time.

Fox passed away on June 28, 1981, at the age of 22. His legacy has continued to grow, with annual Terry Fox Runs held worldwide to support cancer research. In 2020, the Marathon of Hope marked its 40th anniversary.

Fox was selected for the $5 banknote from a shortlist of eight notable Canadians, including Indigenous leaders, war heroes, and humanitarians. His story of determination and courage remains a powerful symbol of hope in Canada and beyond.