April 12, 2005
For Immediate Release

News Release

Government of Canada Earmarks $10 Million for Terry Fox Foundation

Ottawa - In recognition of the 25^th anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope, the Public Health Agency of Canada will provide a $10-million grant for 2005-06 to the Terry Fox Foundation. The Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh, Minister of Health, made the announcement today.

"Health research is key to long-term solutions in the fight against cancer, both in Canada and internationally. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting research on this important health issue and providing care, treatment and support," said Minister Dosanjh.

"In Canada, we are fortunate to have a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention and control including dedicated cancer agencies and programs that give Canadians access to the best treatments and care," said Minister of State (Public Health) Dr. Carolyn Bennett. "We also value the extensive network of charitable and non-governmental organizations to help Canadians with cancer, and their families, cope with the impacts of the disease."

Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope run in St. John's, Newfoundland on April 12, 1980. For 143 days Terry ran the equivalent of a marathon (42 kilometres / 26 miles) every day. His strength and determination turned an otherwise ordinary teenager into a national hero and launch an ongoing campaign that has raised more than $360 million dollars for cancer research. The Terry Fox Foundation strives to maintain the heroic efforts and integrity that Terry himself embodied.

Effective cancer control is a complex process that requires the collaborative efforts of all cancer stakeholders across a wide variety of sectors. The Government of Canada is working with non-governmental organizations and provincial and territorial governments to help reduce incidence, illness and death, through the development of a cancer control strategy for Canada.

These funds, which are part of a substantive federal investment in cancer control, will help continue the Foundation's valuable work in the area of cancer research. Funding for the Terry Fox Foundation was provided in the 2005 Federal Budget. The Budget also provided $300 million for the Integrated Strategy on Healthy Living and Chronic Disease. This initiative will enable the Government of Canada to address unhealthy eating, physical inactivity, and obesity and includes complementary disease-specific activities for the leading, preventable chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. The Budget also provided $5.5 billion to support reductions in wait times.

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Media Inquiries

Adele Blanchard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Health
Tel: (613) 957-0200

Jean-Mathieu Dion
Media Relations Officer
Public Health Agency of Canada
Tel: (613) 948-7970

Tricia Geddes
Office of the Minister of State (Public Health)
Tel: (613) 941-8081