The mayor of Terry Fox’s hometown in British Columbia and the federal opposition leader voiced their concerns on Saturday after a statue of the Canadian hero was defaced with political slogans during an Ottawa rally against COVID-19 restrictions.
Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West expressed his disgust, stating, “It’s appalling to see someone try to misuse his legacy and image for political purposes, regardless of the cause.” He emphasized, “It’s simply unacceptable.”
In a tweet, West affirmed, “He’s our city’s hero, a national inspiration, and a unifier. No one should hijack his legacy, and the statue must be respected.” Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson also ordered city staff to remove the displayed items, though fresh images soon surfaced on social media showing the statue still adorned with new protest signs.
Photos from the rally depicted the statue holding an upside-down Canadian flag along with a message reading “mandate freedom.” Fox, who was both a cancer patient and an amputee, became a national icon in 1980 when he attempted to run across Canada to raise funds for cancer research, a journey he could not complete due to his untimely death in 1981.
Mayor West condemned the actions as “disgusting,” asserting that Fox should be revered beyond political divisions. He remarked, “This behavior is not only wrong but has also backfired on those who thought it acceptable.”
Federal opposition leader Erin O’Toole criticized the demonstrators who targeted the statue, expressing that those who desecrate memorials should feel ashamed, as their actions discredit the sacrifices made by Canadians like Fox and others in history.
Numerous social media users highlighted the striking reality of current cancer patients facing treatment delays due to hospital constraints, with Dr. Andrew Baback Boozary reminding the public that Fox sacrificed everything for cancer patients. The Terry Fox Foundation reiterated its mission to fund cancer research and support, reinforcing Fox’s belief in science and service to humanity.
